Sponsored by the UW Poison Prevention CenterDonna Lotzer, Pharmacist
Why Am I Here?
Think of older adults and medicines 83% take at least 1 prescription drug 50% take 3 or more medicines
To prevent potential poisoning from prescriptions and other remedies
With tips for managing your health remedies
Having a Senior Moment?
A little confused? Things happen fast? Unexpected
visitors? Change of routine? How did that
happen? Should I bother to
check it out?
What Are…
Health Remedies Prescriptions Over-the-Counter Meds Herbals Vitamins Supplements Certain foods
and juices
Sources of Information
PharmacistDoctorNurseAds (TV and magazines)Friends and family InternetPoison Center
(1-800-222-1222)
Poisoning Exposures
Are not just aproblem inchildren
Poison Centers – They Help How?
Experts 24/7/365 They know drugs Call when too much
or the wrong medicine was taken
Call when feeling ill from medicine or ??
Can help with food, household exposures or other questions
As drugs are added the likelihood of problems will increase.
Try to document when something changes
Herbals can cause big problems with Rx drugs
Side Effects And Interactions
Combined action of 2 or more drugs/supplements/foods Creates an unwanted effect or
poisoning
What is an Interaction
Shoe Boxes & Mystery Meds
Proper storage for meds is important
Check to see if any have expired
Sort through that shoe box!
Caution for duplicate ingredients in Rx and OTC products
6 QuestionsWhat is the name of my medicine?What is the medicine for?What side effects could I have?How much and how often do
I take this?What should I do if I miss a dose
or double the dose?While taking this medicine should I
avoid any foods or supplements?
Patient Information SheetThis sheet should
come with all new prescriptions
Some pharmacies can provide large print and other languages
Ask the pharmacist for an explanation!
Keep Track of Your Medicines
Helpful Tools Journal Pill reminder box Medicine safety brochure
Medicine Journal
Pill Reminders…Can They Help?Easy to open
Load, lock, useLocking system
Prevents spills Difficult for kids
to openConvenient for
home or travel Good reminder at
home or away
Medicine Journal or Diary
Keep track of… Questions or
problems related to your medicine
Blood pressure &/or blood sugar readings
Take with you to: Doctor’s office Pharmacy
While I Have Your Attention…Medicines are not the only way
seniors can have problemsConsider mistakes that can lead
to accidental poisonings for seniors and/or family members
What Could Possibly Hurt Me Around My Home?
Faulty furnaces and heaters produce deadly carbon monoxide
Mixing chemicals can cause noxious fumes
“Seeing” without glasses leads to mistakes
Spoiled food looks like edible food
Think About Mistakes & “Oops Moments”
Info on how to make your home safe and poison-free for yourselves and the grandkids
Find out how to be safe with medicines
Wonder why accidents can happen to the best of us?
Look-Alike Products
“Mistaken identity” leads to problems
Cleaners mixed up with sport drinks? Comet cleanser or Parmesan cheese? Candy looks like kid’s vitamins Plants and mushrooms – edible or
poison? Taking the wrong medicine or
dose? Call the poison center for advice!
1-800-222-1222
Take Charge of Your Health
Thank You