You and Your Medicines...Understanding Medications as You Age
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As we get older we may be faced with more health conditions that we need to treat on a regular basis. It is important to be aware that more use of medicines and normal body changes caused by aging can increase the chance of unwanted or maybe even harmful drug interactions.
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As we age, body changes can affect the way medicines are absorbed and used. For example, changes in our digestive system can affect how fast medicines enter the bloodstream. Changes in body weight can influence the amount of medicine we need to take and how long it stays in our body. The circulatory system may slow down, which can affect how fast drugs get to the liver and kidneys. The liver and kidneys also may work more slowly, affecting the way a drug breaks down and is removed from the body.
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The more you know about your medicines and the more you talk with your
health care professionals, the easier it is to avoid problems with medicines.
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The online resources below are reliable sites that provide accurate and current
information about the safe use of medications for seniors:
Whether you’re settling into your sixties or heading into your nineties, be careful when taking prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbal preparations, and supplements. And if you’re caring for older loved ones, help them stay safe too.
As You Age You and Your Medicines:
As you get older you may be faced with more health conditions that you need to treat on a regular basis. It is important to be aware that more use of medicines and normal body changes caused by aging can increase the chance of unwanted or maybe even harmful drug interactions. Information from the FDA...read more
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4 Medication Safety Tips for Older Adults:
Learn how to use medicines safely and avoid unwanted side effects and interactions as you age. Information from the FDA...read more
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Medications Work Differently In Older Adults:
As we get older, our bodies react to drugs differently than when we were younger. The aging process, along with medical conditions, often impacts the benefits and side effects of medications. Information from Health In Aging...read more
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Ten Medications Older Adults Should Avoid Or Use With Caution:
Because older adults often have long-term health conditions that require treatment with multiple medications, there is a greater chance of experiencing unwanted drug side effects. Older people can also be more sensitive to certain medications. Information from Health In Aging...read more
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Avoiding Overmedication And Harmful Drug Reactions:
As you grow older, you are more likely to develop long-term health conditions that require taking multiple medications. Many older people also take over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, or supplements. As a result, older adults have a higher risk of overmedication and unwanted drug reactions...read more
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Safe Use of Medicines for Older Adults:
Medicines help us live longer and healthier. But, taking them the wrong way or mixing certain drugs can be dangerous. You need to be careful to keep track of your medicines and use them safely. Information from Health In Aging...read more
Medicines: Common Questions Answered:
Because older adults may have a number of diseases or health problems at the same time, it is common for them to take many different kinds of drugs. Here are some answers to common questions older adults may have about their medications. Information from the National Institute on Aging...read more
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Medication Errors-Cut Your Risk with These Tips:
Medication errors are preventable. One of the best ways to reduce your risk of a medication error is to take an active role in your own health care. Learn about the medications you take - including possible side effects. Never hesitate to ask questions or share concerns with your doctor, pharmacist and other health care providers. Information from the Mayo Clinic...read more
Where to Get Rid of Unused Meds
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Your unused prescription and over-the counter medications can be disposed of in the Drug Drop-Off Box located in the the lobby of the Falmouth Police Department.
Click on the picture for more information.
