Older adults take more medications than other age groups. Understanding what medications are for, and when and how to take them helps older adults stay healthy.
Health professionals can explain:
When and how often to take medication
If a medication should be taken with food or on an empty stomach
If any food or drink should be avoided while taking a medication
How long to take a medication
What directions like "take as needed" mean
If a medication has side effects
What side effects might feel like
What to do in case of side effects
What medications might interact with each other
Pharmacies can help older adults with medications, including by:
Answering medication questions
Sharing information about generic drugs and programs that reduce medication costs
Putting medications in easy-to-open containers
Putting medications in pre-filled pill boxes
Putting medications that are taken at the same time together in blister or bubble packs
Putting large-print labels on medications
Mailing or delivering medications
Medication lists, calendars or cards for each medication can list:
The name of each medication
What each medication is for
When and how to take each medication
Possible side effects for each medication
Alarms, timers, or text alerts on computers, cell phones or smartphones can remind someone when to take medications.