Tips on properly storing and taking pills, vitamins and other drugs
By Alison Stanton
When medications are taken correctly, they can help people feel better, keep symptoms at bay and even cure disease.
Unfortunately, notes Dawn Sullivan, Pharm.D., board certified geriatric pharmacist, some older adults may unwittingly put their health at risk by the way they store, keep track of and take their medications.
Storage and Organization are the Keys to Safety
Pill boxes marked with the days of the week can keep medications organized and prevent doubling up on doses, but Dr. Sullivan says people should take extra steps to be sure they are taking the correct medicines.
“Have the medication list attached to the pill box with the name and description of each drug, and consider using an alarm to remind you when to take each medication,” she says.
People should also be sure they are storing medications as instructed on the bottle, Dr. Sullivan adds. “Medicine should not be stored in the refrigerator unless it specifically says to on the label, and it is best not to keep pills in the medicine cabinet in the bathroom, because the room tends to get hot and steamy and it can affect the medicine,” Dr. Sullivan adds.
If grandkids visit frequently, or there are pets in the home, she recommends locking medications in a cabinet.
If more than one person is taking medicine, Dr. Sullivan suggests each person have his or her own marked pill container in the home. This can prevent someone accidentally taking the wrong drug.
Extra caution is needed for nighttime medications.
“Try not to keep your medicines at your bedside, and instead turn on the light and wear your glasses to be sure you are taking the correct medication,” she says.
Always Maintain an Updated Medication List
According to Dr. Sullivan, it is critical that people have an up-to-date medication list – including all prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbal remedies — with them at all times.
“It is important to share your medication list at every appointment so that each physician is aware of what you are taking, including medications that have been prescribed by other providers. It is also vitally important that you have your medication list with you if you have an unexpected trip to the emergency room so that emergency providers know what medications you are on to plan your treatment,” Dr. Sullivan states.
Since time is of the essence, and because you may not be able to communicate in these situations, she recommends that trusted family and/or friends know how to access your medication list.
Sun Health’s Tools Can Help
Sun Health, as part of its nonprofit mission to improve the health of the community, offers several tools to help residents maintain medication and other information that may be helpful in an emergency. The Sun Health Medication Management Program website offers a complimentary online database for people to create, maintain and print a confidential medication profile. There is also a companion Android and iPhone app for participants and family members. Visit www.sunhealthmeds.org.
Sun Health offers the Vial of Life and File of Life tools that capture and retain information to help you communicate vital information to paramedics and health professionals in an emergency. The Vial of Life is a convenient pill bottle containing an easy-to-complete medical form. The File of Life, a companion to the Vial of Life, is a flash drive that you fill out electronically and keep on your key chain. Call 623-832-5665 to request these products and learn more about Sun Health’s programs.
