About GPhA

As we age, our need for medications usually increases. We are more likely to have one, two, three, or more chronic conditions that require ongoing treatment. These treatments almost always involve some kind of prescription drug. And sometimes, we need several different drugs for each problem. The number and schedules can be overwhelming!

Because of the number of different conditions being treated, several different doctors may be involved in our care, and they probably don’t know what the other doctors are prescribing for us. Two or more of our drugs may not be compatible and cause harmful side-effects. The risk of a potentially harmful drug interaction rises with each drug we take. It's important to tell each of your doctors what drugs (prescriptions, over-the-counter, vitamins, or herbal supplements) you are taking.

At the same time, our aging bodies handle drugs differently. We can have an unexpected, serious reaction to a particular drug, perhaps because of one of our other medical conditions, like high blood pressure. Drugs—or combinations of drugs—that we used successfully in the past may now not act the same way. Some drugs may be more likely to interact with our food, beverages, and, especially, alcohol.

Preventing harmful drug interactions and side-effects is important. About 15 percent of hospitalizations among the elderly result from adverse drug reactions. Drugs that make you drowsy or unsteady can lead to serious falls. Adverse effects can include changes in mood, energy, or memory. People often assume that such psychological symptoms are just the result of “old age,” but in fact they may be quickly resolved with a change in prescriptions.

So, it’s vital that all patients, especially older patients, keep a personal medication record, and carefully track any side-effects we experience. Our medication record alerts our doctors to all the prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements we take, and helps them avoid prescribing a drug that might conflict. And, if a problem occurs, the medication record will assist the practitioner towards resolving the problem.

Finally, seniors must be especially careful to follow carefully the directions for taking their medications. On time. No missed doses. No double doses. Unless instructed by your doctor or healthcare professional, no cutting pills in half in an attempt to stretch your supply. No taking others’ medications or letting them take yours. Ask your pharmacist if it is ok to store your pills in a weekly pill dispenser.

Find Out More

Medicines and You: A Guide for Older Adults
8-page brochure from the Food and Drug Administration
http://www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/medAndYouEng.htm

Medicines and You
A guide and tips on medication safety from an AARP course
http://www.aarp.org/health/conditions/articles/meds_and_you_04.html

Medicines: Use them Safely
From the National Institute on Aging
http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/medicines.htm