Strategies for Medication Safety
Medication safety involves two key areas that need to be monitored closely:
First, is the medication safe for you to take? Does your body tolerate the medication or is it creating unwelcome side effects?
Second, how difficult is it to add the practice of taking this medication into your daily routine? For some medications it’s vitally important (life-saving, even) to take the medication exactly as prescribed, and for that you need a plan.
Here are some strategies that will help:
Is the medication well-tolerated and safe for you to take?
Learn the common side effects of the medicine. Your prescribing provider is the best person to ask about those that are the most common. Lists of side effects will often be exhaustive and contain nearly all symptoms possible, but there are often a set that are most common you should be aware of.
If your loved one had any new symptoms that began soon after you started the medication, discuss with your prescribing provider.
If you uncover any questions or realize you don't know the answers then a trip to your pharmacist, primary care provider or prescribing provider is in order.
In the event that you are getting a prescription for yourself, remind the prescribing physician that you are a caregiver, and that you would prefer to avoid any medication that might result in sedation. You should ask for a different, non-sedating medication or try other therapies.
Are you using smart medication management strategies?
Keep an updated medication list available; both you and your loved one should have one at all times.
For certain medications such as insulin, warfarin, and blood thinners and/or for medication for insect allergies, your loved one needs to wear an ID band to alert emergency responders and medical personnel.
If at all possible, use one pharmacist or pharmacy for all your prescription and over the counter needs. They can keep track of the various medications and ensure that there are no known interactions or side affects you may need to be aware of.
Before your loved one begins taking a new medication, learn to ask for the “most common side effects,” and ask about things you can do on your own to remedy a symptom or decrease the need for a high dose of medication. Sometimes the answer is nothing, but it is best to ask.
Please talk with your own/loved one’s healthcare provider before using any of this information.
