Information Sheet 10. Medication Hints and Tips (Updated August 2014)

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1 An information sheet on Medication problems and how to prevent them. Memory Loss... People who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer s disease may simply forget to take their medications, causing them to skip doses. The opposite is also true: if they cannot remember whether they took their medication, they might take it again, causing overdose 1. Use a pill organiser. There are many types of products available: computerised pill box dispenses that ring a designated number if the pills have not been taken, watch alarms and necklaces that ring a reminder. Swallowing Problems... Some people have trouble swallowing a tablet or capsule due to health conditions. They try to chew, crush, break or mix the tablet or capsule in food or drink. This can cause a negative effect because some are long-acting medicines that will be released too fast. Other medicines will either not work properly or could make the person sick. 1. Don t crush pills. Never chew, crush, break or mix the tablet or capsule in fluid unless the doctor or pharmacist says it is all right to do so. 2. Alarm clocks, positioning medication in visible places and taking at routing times, such as meals, have all been found by older people to be helpful in reminding them to take their medications. 2. Ask for liquids. If you or the person you care for has trouble swallowing medicines, ask the doctor or pharmacist if the drug comes in liquid form. 3. You can also ask for different colour tablets or liquid if the person has problems with taking a particular type due to their confusion rather than swallowing. Pill organiser

2 Hearing Loss... Hearing problems can impede an elderly person s ability to hear instructions that the doctor or pharmacist is saying. Solution.. 1. Get instructions in writing. If you or the person you care for has trouble hearing, talk to them about not being embarrassed about their hearing loss. If you or they cannot hear what the doctor or pharmacist is saying, as them to repeat it. 2. Use hearing devices. Make sure you or the person you care for wears their hearing aid to doctors appointments and pharmacies. Vision Problems... For people who have vision problems, not being able to read small print on labels or distinguish between pills can lead to potentially dangerous misuse. Ask for large print. If you or the person you care for have vision problems, ask the pharmacist for medication labels in larger print size. Tips for managing medication... Know your medication Keep up to date lists of all medicines, both for yourself and the person you are caring for. A sample chart is attached or use a bottle in the fridge. 1. Include prescription drugs, over-thecounter medicines, vitamins, other nutritional products, and herbal remedies on the list. 2. For each medicine, mark the amount you take, the time of day you take it, and whether it should be taken with food. 3. Store two copies of the list: one in the bottle in the fridge or where your medications are stored, and one in your wallet or purse. This will help if an emergency situation occurs and your doctor needs to review all your medications. This information sheet is produced by Carers Northumberland for carers, their families and professionals supporting them. Feedback on, and contributions to, information sheets is welcomed, and should be ed to info@carersnorthumberland.org.uk or mailed to: Caring Matters, Carers Northumberland, Suite 17, Wansbeck Business Centre, Rotary Parkway, Ashington, NE63 8QZ. Registered Charity Number : Company number: Disclaimer - Carers Northumberland has tried to ensure that the information in this sheet is accurate at the time of printing. However, Carers Northumberland will not accept liability for any loss, damage or inconvenience arising as a consequence of any use of or the inability to use any information in this document. We are not responsible for claims brought by third parties arising from your use of this information sheet.

3 Tips for managing medication Giving medication to someone else... Store medication safely: 1. If you are caring for someone with cognitive or memory problems, be sure all medications are safely stored away. 2. Be sure that your medications are stored out of reach of any children that may visit, especially if you have non-child proof containers. If you are a carer you may have to prepare and administer the medication for someone else, including injectable medicines, such as insulin. 1. Be certain that you understand and are comfortable with preparing the proper dosage and administering the medication, ask your pharmacist if you are at all unsure. 3. Medicines should be stored in a cool, dry area because heat and moisture cause deterioration. 4. Keep all medications stored together in one place unless they are labelled store in a cool place. Consider keeping these in a plastic box or container in one consistent location in the fridge. 5. Check use-by dates frequently and discard any that are out-of-date, or are unused because they have been discontinued or changed, by returning them to the pharmacy for safe disposal. 2. Nurses in your GP surgery and pharmacists can and should instruct you on the proper techniques for injectable medicines. Other things to think about: 1. Don't stop taking a prescription drug unless your doctor says it's okay - even if you are feeling better. 2. Get repeat prescriptions early enough so you won't run out of medicines. KEEP SAFE - Never share or give your prescription medicines to another person or take someone else s.

4 Medications Checklist It is important you understand your own medicines or those you administer to someone you care for. Your doctor or pharmacist can answer any questions you have. Here is a useful checklist. Why is this medicine prescribed? How does the medicine work in my body? How can I expect to feel once I start taking this medicine? How will I know that the medicine is working? Is there a typical time period after which my symptoms should improve? How long will I have to take the medicine? Will I need a refill when I finish this prescription? Will this medicine interact with other medications prescription and nonprescription that I am taking now? Should I take this medicine with food? Are there any foods or beverages I should avoid? (Grapefruit, for example, may interfere with the action of certain medications.) Is it safe to drink alcohol while on this medicine? Are there any activities I should avoid while taking this medicine? Can this medicine be chewed, crushed, dissolved, or mixed with other medicines? What possible problems might I experience with the medicine? How can I prevent these problems from occurring? At what point should I report problems with the medicine? What should I do if I miss a dose of this medicine, or take too much? Do you have written information about the medicine that I can take home with me? Does the pharmacy provide special services such as home delivery or comprehensive medication review and counselling?

5 Shape For your use Date Started Doctor Dosage Instructions Information Sheet 10. Medication Printable Medication Chart for your use for hard copies call Carers Northumberland on Name of Drug What it s for Colour/