Learning About Safe Medication Use--It's a Must!
Jan. 19, 2012
Posted in

Older Americans make up 13% of our population but account for 34% of all prescription medication use and 30% of all over-the-counter (OTC) medication use. This is due in large part to the fact that 4 out of 5 older Americans has 1 or more chronic conditions—often requiring multiple medications at once.

Accompanying this need for more medications as we age is the fact that older adults are also more susceptible to medication errors and adverse drug events—both of which can land them in the hospital and even lead to death. The typical patient with multiple medications has multiple prescribers, making it difficult for both the patient and the health care professionals to keep track of what’s being taken. Because of vision problems, health literacy levels, and even dementia, the older patient may also have a hard time reading and understanding the information on the label or given to them by their provider—40% of seniors can’t read a prescription label and 67% can’t understand the information given to them. Further complicating things is the fact that as we age, our bodies become more sensitive to drugs and more susceptible to complications. Declines in liver and kidney function change the way drugs are broken down and removed from the body, causing them to stay in the system longer—with more time to impact the body and interact with other drugs. All of these factors put seniors at high risk for drug-related complications. In an effort to promote safe and appropriate medication use in seniors, NCPIE (the National Coalition on Patient Information and Education) recently launched MUST (Medication Use Safety Training) for Seniors. The Alliance for Aging Research served on the Project Advisory Team of this important program that tackles the basics of safe use—offering presentation tips and resources for communication and health leaders, tip sheets for patients, expert videos, and more. To learn more about this exciting campaign visit MUST for Seniors.

Share: Email to a friend Submit Del.icio.us Subbmit to Digg Submit to Technorati

Add a comment


Comments on Learning About Safe Medication Use--It's a Must!

The representative enduring with triple medications has denary prescribers, making it troublesome for both the persevering and the wellbeing anxiety professionals to cell line of what's state confiscated.

From mazapoint on Feb. 2, 2012

I am researching this topic for use in a future business I am thinking about starting. Thank you for this information, it has been educational and helpful to me.

From remote support on Feb. 7, 2012

13% like you said above is a big amount. But, it is think that we can not control.

From Yacht Charter Italy on Feb. 10, 2012

In my opinion it is not safe to use self medication. I prefer to visit a specialist.

From condos for sale in Vaughan on Feb. 14, 2012

I love to explore. I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

From buckle on Feb. 16, 2012

You have a very good site, well constructed and very interesting i have bookmarked you hopefully you keep posting new stuff.

From GalapagosLuxuryCharters.com on Feb. 17, 2012

Your website is excellent , i have been looking for this information everywhere.

From Jorge castillo on Feb. 17, 2012

Its really wonderful and watchable. I like to share it with all my friends and I am sure they will like it.

From Last Minute Flights on Feb. 17, 2012

Fine information, thanks to the author. This work is really useful and significant.

From Wm Henderson Cooling Services PA on Feb. 17, 2012

Nice

From emaar mgf new project on Feb. 21, 2012

emaar mgf palm hills gurgaon projects visit gangaur realtech.

From emaar mgf palm hills gurgaon on Feb. 21, 2012

Emaar is one of the world's leading real estate companies, having developed approximately 89 million square feet of real estate across residential, commercial and other business segments and with operations in 14 countries.

From palm hills gurgaon on Feb. 21, 2012

Penthouse in gurgaon visit gangaur realtech.

From Penthouse in gurgaon on Feb. 21, 2012

Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually is aware of what theyre talking about on the internet. You positively know how to bring a difficulty to gentle and make it important. More folks must learn this and perceive this aspect of the story. I cant consider youre not more fashionable since you undoubtedly have the gift.

From houston dentists on Feb. 22, 2012

First of all i would like to thank you for the great and informative entry. I have to admit that I have never heard about this information. I have noticed many new facts for me. Thanks a lot for sharing this useful and attractive information and I will be waiting for other interesting posts from you in the nearest future.

From Laptop Chargers on Feb. 22, 2012

I am researching this topic for use in a future business I am thinking about starting. Thank you for this information, it has been educational and helpful to me

From chinesejade on Feb. 24, 2012

This is my first opportunity to visit this website. I found some interesting things and I will apply to the development of my blog. Thanks for sharing useful information.

From Headway University on Feb. 29, 2012

Thanks for sharing such a useful information, will be checking out more from yours.

From Headway University on Feb. 29, 2012

Further complicating things is the fact that as we age, our bodies become more sensitive to drugs and more susceptible to complications.

From mallorca property on Mar. 1, 2012

Very good website, thanks so much for sharing it all with me. I really enjoy reading this and learn a lot from it.

From business opportunities on Mar. 6, 2012

sometimes that can be a big issue. For self medication you should read before you take the pills.

From chat on Mar. 10, 2012

Should we fear this in the nearby future ?

From caderea parului on Mar. 11, 2012

Doctors should always be consulted before taking any medication of course but the drug companies should do extensive tests in order to assure people that they are not taking anything which in turn could affect their health.

From San Diego colleges on Mar. 11, 2012

Self-medication is dangerous in my opinion. Maybe you should make some laws for this.

From charter Spain on Mar. 12, 2012

Accompanying this need for more medications as we age is the fact that older adults are also more susceptible to medication errors and adverse drug events

From cody81 on Mar. 18, 2012

in my opinion if you will follow the general advices then is safe for use.

From homes for sale in Vaughan on Mar. 18, 2012

it is not a must... in my opinion it is a dangerous thing to do.

From mold inspection on Mar. 19, 2012

It is not safe to do self medication in my opinion. And I am sure that many of you will have the same opinion.

From timeline covers on Mar. 21, 2012

Medications can be classified in various ways, such as by chemical properties, mode or route of administration, biological system affected, or therapeutic effects. An elaborate and widely used classification system is the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (ATC system). The World Health Organization keeps a list of essential medicines.

From Brand design London on Mar. 22, 2012

maybe next time when I will try to do it I will have follow your advice.

From pension loan on Mar. 23, 2012

It is not a must... it is a bad thing to try to do self medication

From bijuterii handmade on Mar. 26, 2012

Drugs which are prescription only are regulated as such because they can impose adverse effects and should not be used unless necessary. Medical guidelines and clinical trials required for approval are used to help inform doctors prescription of these drugs, but errors can happen. Reasons to not prescribe drugs such as interactions or side effects are called contraindications. Thanks.

From Criminal Lawyer Toronto on Mar. 27, 2012

OTC medications are sold without restriction as they are considered safe enough that most people will not hurt themselves accidentally by taking it as instructed. Many countries, such as the United Kingdom have a third category of pharmacy medicines which can only be sold in registered pharmacies, by or under the supervision of a pharmacist.Thanks.

From reiseversicherung student on Mar. 27, 2012

Declines in liver and kidney function change the way drugs are broken down and removed from the body, causing them to stay in the system longer—with more time to impact the body

From Mobile News on Mar. 27, 2012

We provide a range of On page and Off page SEO services that can help your website grow and your business expand.

From Seo Service India on Mar. 28, 2012

sometimes is recommended, sometimes no. I will read more about it.

From rank aggregator on Mar. 28, 2012

They do most of their business via CPA offers, but they have a significant portfolio of cost-per-sale programs that are very successful.

From فوركس on Mar. 30, 2012

in my opinion if you will follow the general advices then is safe for use.

From Igrice on Apr. 5, 2012

Really your post is really very good and I appreciate it. It’s hard to sort the good from the bad sometimes, but I think you’ve nailed it. You write very well which is amazing. I really impressed by your post.

From Flowers on Apr. 7, 2012

The exact information which I was searching got here. Thanks for sharing here

From herbs on Apr. 9, 2012

So beautiful posts,all I like,hope to be better then,and enjoy yourself,good luck in your life.Thanks for your ideas to something.

From sa335 on Apr. 11, 2012

Better to consult with a doctor or pharmacist.

From Buy mp3 songs on Apr. 14, 2012

Self-medication is dangerous in my opinion. Maybe you should make some laws for this.

From Organic underwear on Apr. 14, 2012

We provide a range of On page and Off page SEO services that can help your website grow and your business expand.

From Vstroker Kaufen on Apr. 18, 2012

Very much appreciative as i am planing for many successful things ahead. Appreciate
your work and keep sharing your information.

From Telechargement Films on Apr. 18, 2012

For patented medications, countries may have certain mandatory licensing programs which compel, in certain situations, a medication's owner to contract with other agents to manufacture the drug. Such programs may deal with the contingency of a lack of medication in the event of a serious epidemic of disease, or may be part of efforts to ensure that disease treating drugs. Thanks.

From dc skate shoes on Apr. 18, 2012

Accompanying this need for more medications as we age is the fact that older adults are also more susceptible to medication errors and adverse drug events—both of which can land them in the hospital and even lead to death

From charters on Apr. 20, 2012

The older you get the more guidance you need about what is safe medication

From zero peroxide teeth whitening on Apr. 22, 2012

Better to consult with a doctor or pharmacist.

From B2B PR on Apr. 23, 2012

to medication errors and adverse drug events—both of which can land them in the hospital and even lead to death

From alpha phenylethylamine effects on Apr. 25, 2012

Fine information, thanks to the author. This work is really useful and significant.

From Dvdrip Francais on Apr. 26, 2012

I am really impressed. This is a n excellent approach. Great job!

From Facebook offers on Apr. 29, 2012

medication errors and adverse drug events—both of which can land them in the hospital and even lead to death

From phenibut dosage reviews on Apr. 29, 2012

Wedding Dress Boutique Australia - We sell variety of Wedding Dresses, A-Line Wedding Dresses, Princess Wedding Dresses, Ball Gown Wedding Dresses, Beach Wedding Dresses made to measure. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

From Wedding Dresses on May. 3, 2012

I got my Life Experience Degrees on behalf of my medication work experience.

From Life Experience Degrees on May. 3, 2012

I am absolutely amazed at how terrific the stuff is on this site. I have saved this webpage and I truly intend on visiting the site in the upcoming days. Keep up the excellent work!

From youtube to mp3 hq on May. 4, 2012

Accompanying this need for more medications as we age is the fact that older adults are also more susceptible to medication errors and adverse drug events—both of which can land them in the hospital and even lead to death

From iphone on May. 6, 2012

it application development Open Source IT Application Development at OSSCube, an Open Source enterprise developing & customizing Open Source software’s for YOUR business.

From it application development on May. 7, 2012

So beautiful posts, all I like, hope to be better then, and enjoy yourself, good luck in your life. Thanks for your ideas to something.

From florists columbus ohio on May. 7, 2012

So beautiful posts, all I like, hope to be better then, and enjoy yourself, good luck in your life. Thanks for your ideas to something.
florists columbus ohio

From mandesejohn on May. 7, 2012

I am really impressed. This is a n excellent approach. Great job!

From vet tech on May. 9, 2012

Thanks for share this article

From Medical Transcription Services on May. 10, 2012

This is a real problem. My mother's husband has several specialists, all of whom seem to be changing the other specialists prescriptions without discussing it with the other doctor. My stepfather is 85 and this is confusing him, and sometimes is taking his medications incorrectly.

Family members need to check their elderly family members prescription list regularly to be sure it is understood. It is a good idea to type the list out with the dosage, when it is to be taken and the name of the prescribing doctor and keep it on the refrigerator.

From Donna A. Menner on May. 10, 2012

Really your post is really very good and I appreciate it. It’s hard to sort the good from the bad sometimes, but I think you’ve nailed it. You write very well which is amazing. I really impressed by your post.

From read more on May. 11, 2012

I am absolutely amazed at how terrific the stuff is on this site. I have saved this webpage and I truly intend on visiting the site in the upcoming days. Keep up the excellent work!

From fly fishing news on May. 11, 2012

A comprehensively detailed and attention grabbing review that you wrote in this article. I am really convinced the way you look. The way you describe the whole thing is simple and understandabl

From visit site on May. 14, 2012

Add a Comment

*
*
*
Yes
No