Medicine Safety for Older Adults

As we get older, it's common to take more medicines to manage different health conditions. Some people may take prescription medicines every day, while also using over-the-counter painkillers, vitamins, supplements, or other products.

Taking several medicines isn't necessarily a problem, but it does make medication safety more important. The more products you use, the easier it can be to forget a dose, accidentally take too much, or combine medicines that shouldn't be taken together.

With a few simple habits and regular advice from a pharmacist or doctor, many of these problems can be avoided.

Why Medicine Safety Matters More With Age

Older adults may respond differently to medicines because the body changes with age.

Changes in kidney and liver function, body composition, and how the body processes medicines can affect how certain drugs work.

Older adults are also more likely to take multiple medicines, increasing the possibility of drug interactions and side effects.

This doesn't mean medicines are unsafe for older adults. It simply means that medicines should be reviewed carefully and taken exactly as directed.

Keep an Updated List of All Medicines

One of the easiest ways to improve medicine safety is to keep a complete list of everything you take.

Include:

• Prescription medicines.
• Over-the-counter medicines.
• Vitamins.
• Minerals.
• Herbal products.
• Supplements.

Include the name, strength, dose, and how often you take each product.

Take this list with you when visiting a doctor, pharmacist, hospital, or other healthcare professional.

Don't Forget About Over-the-Counter Medicines

It's easy to think that medicines bought without a prescription are automatically safe.

They can still cause side effects and interact with prescription medicines.

Painkillers, cold medicines, allergy medicines, sleep products, and other over-the-counter medicines can affect older adults differently.

Always tell your pharmacist or doctor about the products you're using.

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Be Careful With Painkillers

Painkillers are commonly used for headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, and other problems.

However, some pain medicines can cause stomach irritation, bleeding, kidney problems, or other complications, particularly when used frequently or by people with certain health conditions.

Don't regularly take painkillers simply because they're available at the pharmacy.

If you have ongoing pain, speak with a healthcare professional about the cause and the safest treatment option.

Watch Out for Drowsiness and Dizziness

Some medicines can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or problems with balance.

For older adults, these effects can increase the risk of falls.

If you notice that a medicine makes you unusually sleepy, dizzy, or unsteady, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Don't stop a prescribed medicine on your own, as the medicine may still be important for managing your condition.

Be Careful When Standing Up

Some medicines can lower blood pressure or otherwise contribute to dizziness when you stand up.

If you feel light-headed, sit or lie down until you feel better and let your healthcare professional know if it keeps happening.

Persistent dizziness shouldn't simply be accepted as a normal part of getting older.

Follow the Prescribed Dose

Taking more medicine doesn't necessarily make it work better.

Taking too much can increase the risk of side effects and, depending on the medicine, can cause serious harm.

Follow the dose and schedule provided by your doctor or pharmacist.

If you've forgotten whether you've taken a dose, don't automatically take another one. Check your medication plan or contact your pharmacist for advice.

Don't Stop Medicines Suddenly

If you feel better, you might think you no longer need a particular medicine.

However, some medicines need to be reduced gradually or continued to keep a condition under control.

Stopping certain medicines suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms or other complications.

Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist before stopping or changing a prescribed medicine.

Use a Medication Organiser Carefully

A pill organiser can make it easier to remember daily medicines, especially if you take several products.

However, not every medicine should be removed from its original packaging.

Some medicines may need special packaging or protection from moisture, light, or air.

Ask your pharmacist whether your medicines can safely be transferred into an organiser.

Set Reminders for Doses

If you sometimes forget your medicines, use reminders that fit your routine.

You could use:

• Phone alarms.
• A written medication schedule.
• A pill organiser, if appropriate.
• A family member or caregiver's reminder.

Taking medicines at the same time each day can also make it easier to establish a routine when the medication instructions allow it.

Be Careful With Medicine Names

Some medicines have names that look or sound similar.

When receiving a new prescription or purchasing a medicine, check that the name and strength match what you were expecting.

If the packaging looks different from what you're used to, ask the pharmacist to confirm it before taking the medicine.

Check Expiry Dates

Medicines shouldn't be kept indefinitely.

Check your medicine cabinet regularly and remove medicines that have expired or are no longer needed.

Don't use an expired medicine simply because it looks normal.

Ask your pharmacist about the safest way to dispose of unwanted or expired medicines.

Store Medicines Properly

Keep medicines according to their storage instructions.

Some medicines may be affected by excessive heat, moisture, or sunlight.

Keep medicines somewhere secure and organised, and make sure children and other people who shouldn't access them cannot reach them.

Be Careful With Vitamins and Supplements

Vitamins and supplements can interact with medicines.

Taking several supplements alongside prescription medicines can also make it difficult to know which products are causing side effects.

Don't assume that a supplement is safe simply because it is labelled "natural."

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all supplements you use.

Review Your Medicines Regularly

If you're taking several medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist to review them periodically.

A medication review can help identify:

• Medicines you may no longer need.
• Duplicate treatments.
• Potential interactions.
• Side effects.
• Incorrect doses.
• Medicines that may be difficult to take correctly.

Your treatment needs can change over time, so an occasional review can be useful.

Make Sure Healthcare Professionals Know Everything You Take

Different healthcare professionals may prescribe different medicines.

If each person doesn't know what else you're taking, it can increase the chance of duplication or interactions.

Tell every doctor, dentist, pharmacist, and other relevant healthcare professional about your current medicines and supplements.

Ask Questions Before Starting a New Medicine

Whenever you're prescribed or recommended a new medicine, ask:

What is this medicine for?

How should I take it?

When should I take it?

Can I take it with my other medicines?

What side effects should I watch for?

Can I take my usual vitamins and supplements with it?

How long will I need to take it?

Understanding your treatment makes it easier to use medicines correctly.

What If You Miss a Dose?

What you should do after missing a dose depends on the specific medicine.

Don't automatically double your next dose.

Check the medicine instructions or contact your pharmacist for advice.

If you frequently forget doses, tell your healthcare professional. They may be able to suggest a simpler routine or another practical solution.

When Should You Contact a Pharmacist?

Speak with a pharmacist if you:

• Develop new or unusual symptoms after starting a medicine.
• Feel unusually dizzy or sleepy.
• Are unsure how to take a medicine.
• Take several medicines and are worried about interactions.
• Want to start a new supplement.
• Are having difficulty swallowing or using a medicine.
• Are thinking about stopping a prescribed medicine.

Pharmacists can help identify potential medication problems and explain how medicines should be used.

When Is It an Emergency?

Some symptoms after taking medicine require urgent medical attention.

Seek emergency help if you experience:

• Severe difficulty breathing.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Seizures.
• Severe confusion.
• Severe chest pain.
• A rapidly worsening or potentially life-threatening reaction.

If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning, seek immediate professional advice rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.

Final Thoughts

Taking several medicines as you get older can be part of managing your health, but it also makes medication safety increasingly important.

Keep an up-to-date medicine list, follow prescribed doses, check for interactions, be cautious with over-the-counter medicines and supplements, and don't stop prescribed treatment without professional advice.

Regular medication reviews can also help ensure that your medicines remain appropriate as your health and circumstances change.

If you're ever unsure about a medicine, your pharmacist is a great person to ask before making changes.

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