Orlando Home CareDo you know for sure that your elderly loved ones are taking their medication the right way? Studies show that 55% of prescription drugs are not taken correctly for a number of reasons, and the consequences can be dangerous. The following are some tips to help manage medications more effectively.
Be in the Know Right from the Start. Don’t be afraid to ask the doctor and/or pharmacist questions about the prescription. Be sure to know the following:
- The name of the drug
- What the drug is prescribed for
- How, when and how long to take the drug
- Correct dosage
- Possible side effects and drug interactions
Also, make sure to have your loved one’s doctor periodically conduct a medication review to assess which drugs are still needed and determine which ones could be eliminated.
Ask Before Modifying Pills. Some pills are designed to release medication over the course of the day, so crushing or cutting them in half could destroy the time-release aspect of the medicine, causing the person to receive too much at one time or none at all. If swallowing pills is a problem, ask the doctor or pharmacist how or if a medication can be modified or if it is available in a smaller tablet or liquid form.
Taking medications the right way helps patients receive the maximum benefits. Partners in Healthcare can help elderly individuals in the Altamonte Springs, FL area keep track of medications and set up helpful reminders in order to maintain proper medication adherence. Contact us today!
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