As people age, medicines are often prescribed to treat various health problems (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes). In addition, many people take over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, herbal preparations, and supplements. This increased use of both prescription and OTC medicines can result in harmful side effects or drug interactions.
Physical changes that are part of the normal aging process can affect the way your body handles medicines. For example, your liver and kidneys may not work as well to eliminate the medicine from your body. So, it is important to be careful when taking prescription and OTC medicines, herbals, and supplements.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers these five safety tips:
- Take only as prescribed. If you receive a prescription, make sure you understand how to take the medicine. Your doctor will determine the dose that is right for you and how often to take it. Medicines used to treat chronic conditions work properly only if they are taken regularly. Do not skip doses or take extra doses. If you have serious side effects, talk to your doctor. NEVER take prescription medicines that were not prescribed for you.
- Store your medicines properly and check the expiration date. Most medicines can be stored at room temperature. But you should always check the label or ask your pharmacist to confirm the best place to store it. It is also important to store medicines up and away and out of reach and sight of children (UpAndAway.org). In addition, they should be kept in a place that is cool and dry, not in a bathroom cabinet where they are exposed to warm, humid air. Medicines should never be stored in the car in the summer or winter. Exposure to extreme temperatures can cause the medicine to be less effective. Also, taking expired medicines may result in harmful side effects and cause your condition to get worse. If you have any questions about how to store your medicine, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
- Be aware of interactions and side effects. Some medicines, herbals, or supplements should not be taken if you already take another medicine because it may affect how either drug works. Even food and beverages (alcohol and non-alcohol) can interact with medicines. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about any possible interactions and side effects from the medicine. This information can also be found by reading the Drug Facts label on OTC medicines and the Medication Guide or leaflet that comes with your prescription medicines.
- Keep a list. Write down the prescription and OTC medicines, herbals, and supplements you are taking, and keep the list with you. Include both the brand name (if applicable) and generic name, why you are taking it, the dosage, and how often you take it. Consider giving a family member a copy of the list incase of an emergency.
- Contact FDA’s Drug Information Pharmacist. If you have any questions about any medicines you take, you can contact a pharmacist as the FDA:
Advice from FDA is a feature brought to you by the FDA. You can find this information and more on FDA’s Consumer Health Information website. This website features the latest updates on medicines and products regulated by the FDA. Sign up to receive a free FDA Consumer Update subscription.
Published October 7, 2024
