“Take only as directed” is easier said than done.
According to the
National Community Pharmacists Association, as many as three out of four
Americans don’t always take prescription medicine as directed. Improper use of
medications is especially prevalent among older adults where many, between the
ages of 57 and 85, use at least five prescriptions as well as over-the-counter
medications.
Seniors living alone sometimes forget to take medication and
then either “double up” or skip a needed dose. Sadly, sometimes, an important
medicine is eliminated because it is just too expensive. One of the major causes
of emergency room visits is due to improper use of medications.
To help
to correct this potentially life-threatening situation, the Coalition for Senior
Medication Safety is launching an educational campaign beginning at eight New
Haven senior centers and senior housing complexes which will be provided with
literature, presentations and pharmaceutical assistance for their members and
residents.
Participating in this initial effort are the Dixwell, East Shore and Atwater
senior centers and residents of Bella Vista, Tower One/Tower East, Fairbanks
Apartments, Whalley Terrace and Casa Otonal.
A contributing cause to
medication errors are lengthy and confusing instructions which sometimes
accompany a new prescription. The Food and Drug Administration is planning to
test single-page consumer information sheets that would replace multipage
package inserts. FDA officials say that inadvertent errors made by patients who
misunderstand information are causing significant harm.
One reason cited
is literacy skills. Patients better understand simple language like, “Use only
on your skin” instead of “For external use only.” Picture icons were also found
to be helpful. However, with complex medication regimens and multiple chronic
conditions, even highly educated consumers can fail to take medications
correctly.
Under some of our newer health care laws, hospitals are being
held to account and penalized for readmissions that occur in a short time frame
following a discharge. Since many re-admissions are due to prescribed medicines
taken incorrectly and causing an adverse reaction, education about how to avoid
misuse is especially important. Here are a few simple rules to
remember:
-Obtain medical advice before taking nonprescription drugs,
vitamins, supplements or herbal remedies; some could affect the action of your
regular medication.
-Be sure you understand all instructions before
leaving the pharmacy. Pharmacists are taking a more active role on the
health-care team and are helping to counsel patients. Pharmacies like Towne in
Branford where owner and pharmacist Karen Ragonese offers individual expertise
to many longtime customers, can be especially helpful.
-Keep medications out of the reach of children and in a nonhumid environment; usually, the bathroom is not a good place.
-Use a daily pill dispenser (some even feature timer reminders) to help you stay on track.
Note: The Coalition for Senior Medication Safety is comprised of more than 20 organizations and individuals that serve older adults in New Haven. For additional information, contact Donna Fedus at 203-789-7645.
Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at 101 Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.
