Medication errors that seniors make

Skipping Doses is a big problem

Medication errors that seniors make. can be deadly.  First, take each medicine as prescribed by the health care professional.  Second, don’t skip pills.  For example, trying to make the doses stretch further. Skipping doses will lead to problems.  Finally, get a programmable pill box with alarm to hold the pills.  Again, when your condition  gets worse because it wasn’t managed correctly.  People that need help paying for medications can access over 40 patient assistance programs.

Most medications are listed with Needymeds Manual

You can look up the name with either the name brand or generic name. on Needymeds.  In addition, one is able to print  forms and take them to your doctor’s.  Hence,  for help filling the forms out. However, a doctor’s signature to verify the prescription will be needed. Furthermore, they will ask for financial information.  Hence, making certain you meet income criteria. Some companies will ship medications directly to you while others require that medicines be sent to your doctor’s office.  This will reduce Medication errors.

Check, Check, and Recheck your pill box

First, get a programmable pill box with alarms.  Second, before taking pills, double-check the label.  For example, make sure that you are taking the right pills.  In addition, make sure it is  according to the doctor’s directions. Again, never rely on  memory.  To illustrate, seniors average 5-8 pills per day. You may have several medications with similar names and a medication mistake can be costly.

Also, make sure you’re giving the correct dosage

First, consult your doctor before making any changes.  Again, if there are instructions for “weaning” off the meds, follow them exactly. For example, meds (oral steroids) may have negative side effects if not taken correctly.  Fore example, if trying to stop a medication that may have been taken for a long time.   Again, are you taking the pills properly. Is it an oral medicine or is it an injectable medicine? An oral medicine that is accidentally injected could have painful, if not lethal consequences.  An example, of Medication errors that can be prevented.

Finally, another example of Medication errors that seniors make

Fist of all, try to make certain that medicine is being given at the right time.  A programmable pill dispenser or an old fashion pill box will help remember.  There is generally a 2 hour window of time that a medicine should be taken.  Hence, the window starts 60 minutes before the medicine is prescribed and ends 60 minutes after its time. For example, if a medicine is prescribed at 4 p.m.  To illustrate,  start giving it at 3 p.m. up until 5 p.m. During this window,  take the prescribed dosage to ensure the best outcomes.  Again, reduce the risks of harmful side effects. To be sure that the window of time applies to your situation, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Sponsored by Med-Q Programmable Pill Box with Alarms

Borrowing or Lending Prescription Medicine is big Medication errors 

First, people give their pills to others.  Second, this is a big concern for physicians today.  Third, this is a risky practice that needs to be ended. Prescription  as well as OTC pills ought  never be taken by anyone else than for whom it was intended for. For example,  people might have special medical histories and may also be taking other medicines.  The results, serious negative drug interactions. By the same token, never give away your old prescription medication.

What to do with left over pills

What if medication is left over and you want to donate it? The best advice is not to donate them. Most places will not even accept medication donations.  They will  dispose the medicine after you leave. If you think they may be able to use it, call  them to make certain.  For example, outreach projects can accept certain donated medications,.  First, providing that specific instructions are followed. Don’t assume that the charity will be able to accept your medication (or medical supplies even).  Medication errors prevented before they happen.

Taken properly, all medications have their purpose

Determining the best way for family as well as friends to take medicines may take some work First, get a smart programmable pill dispenser with alarms.  Have the proper documentation  in order to develop the right medication management system. for your household and comfort level. Be sure to check with your loved one’s physician and pharmacist if you suspect a problem or need additional information.