6 Medication Tips Every Adult Should Know for Safety’s Sake
All medications are meant to heal. But some factors pertain to medicine use that could be potentially hazardous. And more so, if you are of over 65 years, the likelihood of having a medication mishap is higher than ever.
As we age, we become susceptible to medical conditions and diseases that require blood thinners, diabetes medications, antibiotics, among others. And without proper safety measures, a combination of these medications can draw a thin line between safe and unsafe medication practices.
And whether it is misusing beverages, taking drugs incorrectly, or using drugs that are prone to adverse side effects, there are medication tips that are indispensable especially for adults. And in the unfortunate event that you experience adverse side effects as a result of drug use, there are channels you can use to seek justice or any other drug-related complications.
Handy tips for adults regarding medications
Some medications are more culpable to adverse side effects when incorrectly used. In any case, the good news is that over 50% of all adverse side effects are thought to be avoidable, thanks to these tips.
1. Read the packaging labels and stick to the safety directions
As a rule of thumb, you should know when to use, how much to use, and how long to use your medication. Most medications come with such directions on their packaging, including containers that measure the millimeter amount. And in agreement with experts at DrugGuardians.com, simple drug safety measures are needed for specific drugs to stay effective. Insulin and most liquid antibiotics need to be refrigerated. Moreover, other types of medications such as nitroglycerin should be protected from direct sunlight to remain functional.
2. Consult with your doctor before stopping your regimen
We have all probably been there before. When you start taking medications, you realize that your problem has gone away so soon. So, what do you do next? You think to yourself that everything is okay, and you can disregard the rest of the medication.
That false sense of confidence that you are cured could be catastrophic. That’s because you risk stopping the medication prematurely before the condition can go away completely. In any case, it may just worsen. Therefore, for safety’s sake, contact your doctor to have their opinion first.
3. Check to find out if your medication is listed as unsafe for the elderly
We all trust our doctors, but the best advocate for your health is you. That said, it wouldn’t hurt to compare your medications against the U.S. Geriatric Society, which is the body that determines the criteria for potentially inappropriate medication use in adults.
The medications listed by this agency have an unfavorable balance of benefits and harm when used by adults, especially when pitted against the pharmacological alternatives. This list does not automatically eliminate the use of your medication. Therefore, you can consult your doctor for an alternative prescription or further directions.
4. Inform your healthcare provider of all your medications and nutritional supplementation
Make it habitual to keep your doctor informed about your medications every time you visit the hospital. The list could include:
- Dietary supplements.
- Vitamins and minerals.
- Weight-loss regimens.
5. Have your medication list to guide you
You could be seeing multiple doctors, and chances are each one will be prescribing their medications to take. Drug structures and effects on the body differ, but sometimes a combination of two or three medications could be toxic and cause adverse reactions.
And without a central database where your doctors can refer, then they might as well act only on the information you provide to them, which could be catastrophic. The ideal scenario would be to have your primary caregiver review the list on a regular basis to ensure it is updated for your subsequent visitations.
6. Be in contact with your doctor
Doctors put enough effort to ensure we are well and kicking. And whereas they do their part and prescribe the appropriate medications, our anatomy might respond with unforeseen reactions. That’s why you have to keep your doctor in the loop regarding your progress.
As you age, there is a high likelihood that you will start taking prescription medications to take care of symptoms and stay active. And aside from the tips recommended herein, the ideal scenario would be to stay in contact and have an honest conversation with your doctor.
And if you are taking medications for chronic conditions as part of your daily life, stick to safe medication practices to ensure you and your close ones are safe. While prescription drugs are a requisite for some conditions, it is imperative that you develop a workable plan to make sure you stick to the routine, stay safe and remain healthy for years.
