Healthy Aging - April 1997 Column
Thursday, March 27, 1997
KNOW YOUR MEDICINES
By Bonnie Sherman
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
Consumer and Family Education Agent
Golden Plains Area
Have you noticed that as people age, the number of
medications they take increases? In talking to older family
members about their medicines, you may be surprised to find they
don't know the names of the medications or what they specifically
do. They may tell you they have it written down "somewhere".
Not knowing the facts about medications one takes can be a
dangerous situation. Those beyond age 60 find they take
medications to treat several different problems. The average
number of medications an older person takes is five prescription
and three over-the-counter drugs. Although this may seem
excessive, taking even more than one medication can lead to
problems.
Knowing all about medications is one way to assure they are
used safely. You should know the name of the medication (brand
and generic) and for what it is prescribed. Some brand names are
very similar, such as Levoxine (levothyroxin) for hypothyroidism
and Lanoxin (digoxin) for heart failure. A doctor's handwriting
may be the cause for a mix-up in medications. Knowing the name of
the medication definitely could prevent problems.
Another reason to know about your medications is to prevent
drug interactions. Check with your pharmacist or your doctor to
make sure the medications you take are safe to use with each
other. Also, tell the doctor or pharmacist about any over-the-
counter medications you are taking. These also may interact with
prescription medications, food and each other.
As we age, our bodies become less efficient. Some of these
inefficiencies affect how we deal with medications, especially
ones that may be taken in error. The body tissue of an older
person holds less water and medications can become concentrated.
Less water also prevents the medications from being eliminated
quickly. Flushing our system of an unwanted element is an
important way our body cures itself.
What can you do to prevent prescription problems? Be sure to
ask about any prescriptions the doctor gives you. Learn all there
is to know about a new medication, and also ask about old ones if
you are unfamiliar with them. What is the brand name and generic
name of medications? When do you take it and can you take it with
food? Does it have side effects and if so, when should you seek
medical attention? Are there interactions with other drugs?
Be sure to keep good records of the medications you take.
List them along with the doctor who prescribed them, the amount
taken, the time of day they are to be taken, and any reactions
you might have. Take this list with you when you see a doctor.
Try to use the same pharmacist for all medications. Knowing
your pharmacist and having a good relationship with that person
helps if there are questions. It also helps if your pharmacist is
computerized, as this helps keep track of all medications and can
print out information on each prescription.
If you have a refill that looks dissimilar in any way from
the usual medications (color, shape or size) be sure to check on
it. Differences usually only mean another drug manufacturer has
been substituted, but it also could mean a mistake has been made.
Don't be afraid to question it!
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