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The views expressed herein are those of the Ontario Pharmacists’ Association and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Ontario. The Myths of Aging • Aging will inevitably bring illness and disability • The damage is already done so why bother protecting your health • Getting old means losing your mental sharpness • Getting old means being sad, lonely and unproductive Consumer Reports on Health, March 1999 Why Am I at Risk? • Canadian seniors make up 12% of the population • Seniors receive 28-40% of all medications prescribed • Seniors are often taking several medications which can interact with each other and cause many side effects • Aging makes seniors more sensitive to medication effects Get the Most out of Your Medications Examples of medication problems: What are drugs? • Prescription medicines • Over-the-counter medicines • Social drugs • e.g. alcohol, caffeine in tea & chocolate, tobacco • Traditional & Herbal Remedies • Street drugs • ALL drugs change the way your body normally functions • Used together, they may alter the effects of each other • ALL drugs can be harmful if you don’t use them wisely Drug Names • Every drug has two names: • BRAND name • GENERIC / CHEMICAL name • The Chemical name is most important and can be identified anywhere • You should know or write down both names of all of your medications Pharmacists – Drug Experts • Education • Minimum 5 years university with focus on all aspects of drug use and development • Ongoing quality assurance standards • Communication • Enhancing skills an important part of university and continuing education • Confidentiality • a legal and ethical requirement for all pharmacists How Can My Pharmacist Help? • Answer my questions about my medications • Help me choose the right non-prescription drug if I need one • Put my drugs in an easy-to-open container • Make a larger and easy-to-read label • Discuss how to take my medications appropriately • Discuss side effects of medications • Discuss drug and non-drug options to improve my health • Discuss how to store my medications • Refer me to the proper resource e.g. diabetes centres, support groups, physicians, dietitians, foot care etc. Always make sure you understand…. • • • • • • • the correct dose as prescribed the expected benefits of your medication the best time of day to take your medications whether to be taken with or without food what other medications (prescription or otherwise) or foods may interact all precautions (including alcohol) side effects to expect and others to be aware of If unsure of any of the above or know of any difficulty in taking medication as prescribed… ASK YOUR PHARMACIST Storage of Medications • Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and humidity • The bathroom is NOT the best place • The bedside is also NOT the best place • Keep medicines out of the reach of children especially if your containers are “easy-open” • Most pills and capsules are NOT kept in the refrigerator • Some medicines need to be kept in the container given to you by the pharmacist • e.g. Nitroglycerin for chest pain • Keep your medicines in the original container unless you use a special “pill box” Expired Medication • Who has the oldest medication? • Never throw out medication in your garbage • Return old medicines to your pharmacist • Ask your pharmacist about sharps containers Side Effects of Medication • Side effects are extra ways that medicines affect your body • Include headache, dizziness, rashes, stomach upset • Ask your doctor or pharmacist about what side effects to expect from a new medication • Report any side effects to your doctor and pharmacist Over-the-Counter Medicines • Do NOT require a prescription • Can interact with your prescription medicines • Can cause side effects or make a medical condition worse • ALWAYS check with your doctor or pharmacist first • Over-the-counter medications should not be taken for long periods of time • If you are not feeling better after 3-5 days, see your doctor Herbals: Myths and Realities • Myth: Herbal products are safe because they are “natural” • Myth: Herbs are not drugs • About 25% of modern prescription drugs are obtained from natural or botanical sources • Myth: I don’t need to tell my doctor or pharmacist about the herbs I am taking • Fact: “Natural” doesn’t necessarily mean safe • Fact: Herbs can interact with your medications and can worsen your medical conditions Herbals: The Positives • Available over-the-counter • Some herbs have been proven effective • Some of today’s useful medicines were originally herbs • Psychological benefit Herbals: The Negatives • Lack of safety data, especially longterm • Lack of quality control of exact ingredients, potency, purity • Lack of studies to prove they work • Lack of safety in pregnancy, lactation, and for use in children • Use can delay more effective therapy • Cost Herbals: The Bottom Line • Tell your doctor & pharmacist if you are taking herbal products and list them on your medication card Compliance Aids • Daily or weekly pill boxes • Let your pharmacist help you make a schedule that suits your lifestyle • Keep a chart or a calendar (post it on the fridge) • Set alarm clocks! • Be creative! Safe Medication Card • A list of all of your medicines • Include herbals, over-the-counter medicines and vitamins • For you, your doctor and other health professionals • Keep it with you at all times (wallet, pocket, purse) • Keeps you safe in a health emergency, when traveling and everyday! Additional Pharmacy Services • • • • • • Refill reminders Filling of pill boxes Trial prescriptions Home health care products Home visits Help patients manage diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, etc. • Medication Review (MedsCheck Program) MedsCheck Program • New in 2007 • One-on-one consultation with a pharmacist • Once/year for initial consult; once/year for a follow-up under specific circumstances • Using 3 or more medications on a regular basis • Cost covered by Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care MedsCheck Program Who will benefit? • Trouble managing medications or remembering to take them • Multiple physicians/specialists • Complicated medication schedule • Significant changes to medication routine in the last 3 months • Taking medications which must be carefully monitored (e.g. warfarin) • Recently released from hospital MedsCheck Program What should I expect? • 20 to 30 minutes private consultation • By appointment • Resulting in comprehensive medication list to share with doctor and other health care providers • Bring all medication containers – Rx and OTC from all pharmacies – Herbal and natural products – Ointments and eye drops Why Me? • I want to take control of my medications • I want to understand my medications and how they affect my body and how I feel • I want to stay healthy and be safe taking my medication The Do’s & Don’ts of Safe Medication Use • DON’T expect a prescription every time you visit your Doctor • DON’T share your medicines • DO use a Medication Card/MedsCheck list to keep a list of all of your medications and conditions in your wallet • DO tell your Doctor and Pharmacist about ALL the drugs you use (even OTC and herbals) • DO visit the same pharmacy for all of your medication needs and visit only one family Doctor • If you do visit any other health care professionals, tell your Doctor • DO beware of interactions (food, drug, alcohol) • DO participate in your health care and talk to health care professionals about non-drug options • DO check with your Pharmacist or Doctor before you buy or use an over-thecounter product • DON’T use medication that is expired and bring your expired medications to your Pharmacist for disposal • DO keep your medications in the original bottle unless using a pill box or compliance aid ASK YOUR PHARMACIST • Any questions? • Medication cards • Presentation questionnaire Pharmacists and patients working together to get the most from your medications! Special thanks to the Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat for their support of this program. Tips for Snowbirds • Bring your medication record with you • all drugs (both names), phone numbers for pharmacy, doctors, etc. • Be careful of storage • Vacation Supply • requirements for Ontario Drug Benefit • Some medications may make you more sensitive to the sun: Ask your pharmacist! Colds & Infections • Colds are caused by viruses and will go away on their own in ~ 7 days • ALWAYS check with your Pharmacist or Doctor before you use any over-the-counter medication Colds & Infections • You should not expect a prescription every time you go to the Doctor • If you have a bacterial infection, the Doctor will write you a prescription for an antibiotic • DO NOT STOP taking the antibiotics even if you feel better Influenza : “The Flu” • Like colds, influenza is caused by a virus and has similar symptoms • Usually involves the whole body, lasts longer (~10 days) and is more intense • High fever, chills, sore throat, congestion, cough, headache, muscle soreness, stomach upset • Antibiotics are not effective Influenza : “The Flu” • Flu season is generally from late December to early March • Transmission is via air or direct contact (e.g. hand shaking) • People over 65 years, nursing home residents, and people with heart or lung problems or diabetes are especially at risk for serious consequences • Everyone should get a “flu shot” to prevent spread of the disease Influenza Vaccine • Vaccination of dead influenza viruses that cause the body to make antibodies to fight against the viruses • Should be given early in the flu season (October to November) • Takes about 2 weeks to take effect Sample Medication Record