What’s In Your Medicine Cabinet?
Communication!
Taking medicine is often an important part of your care plan. Good communication with your prescriber will help you to have fewer problems with your medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies to medications. Let him know what medicines you are taking including over-the-counter, vitamins and supplements. ASK QUESTIONS…, including possible food interactions and side effects.
Ask your doctor questions about your medicines and report any side effects.
Be Well with Smart Medication Safety Tips
- Read all medication labels carefully and take as prescribed.
- Keep a list of all your medications, dosages, times and reasons for taking.
- Do not stop a medication. Talk to your doctor first unless you are having a serious side effect.
- Do not share your medications with others or take other peoples’ drugs.
- Do not double the dose of your medication or omit a dose without your doctor’s permission.
- If you miss a dose, don’t panic. Take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular medication schedule.
Good communication with your physician is important when taking multiple medicines.
Good Advice
- Keep medications in a dry area unless refrigeration is recommended.
- Always keep medications out of the reach of children and pets.
- Do not take medications that have passed the expiration date.
- Never mix bottles of medications together. Use up one bottle first. Then start a new one.
- Anticipate when your medications run out and get prescriptions renewed as necessary.
Traveling?
Keep your medications in your carry-on luggage when you travel.
Pack extra medication in case your flight is delayed or you stay away longer than planned.
Ask questions about your medicines and read the label completely!
Proper Disposal of Expired or Un-used Medicine
Check your local government, pharmacy or doctor office for a medicine take-back program. These programs allow the public to bring unused drugs to a central location for proper disposal.
EPA Recommendations
- Remove drugs from original containers and remove identifying information on labels.
- Do NOT crush pills or capsules.
- Mix medications with kitty litter, sawdust, coffee grounds or other unpalatable substance.
- Put mixture in a sealable plastic bag or a bottle with a screw-on lid and place in trash.
The Holidays Are Here!
Do you enjoy holiday preparations, or does the thought give you the cold shivers? Don’t try to do everything yourself. Call AW Health Care. We can send a caregiver to help you with baking, shopping and decorating. If you like to send cards or gifts, AW can help you shop, wrap gifts, and address cards. Our caregivers will take you to the Post Office to mail gifts too, if needed.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season!
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