ASK AND ASK LOUD
by Roberta Mikles
CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN FIRST,,,,, ALWAYS..........BEFORE TAKING ANY OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS..... PATIENT BEWARE..............BE INFORMED.............BE EDUCATED.
The large selection of OTC (over the counter medications) makes it overwhelming for the consumer who is searching for a sleeping medication, medication for constipation or pain. Several surveys have shown that the elderly are responsible for 40% of the consumption of OTC medications. The elderly are more at risk for side effects than younger individuals.
The aging process brings about many changes in the body. These changes, simply put, can result in side effects that can range from annoying to deadly. Not all older individuals experience side effects or adverse drug reactions. And, certainly, not to alarm the reader of this article, however, "consumer beware".... "consumer be informed" and "consumer know thy medications".
Older individuals often require lower doses of medication due to the physiological process of aging. Some doctor's who treat the Geriatric population have an expression, "go low, go slow". Having a physician that is familiar with geriatric care is of importance. Although, more and more physicians are becoming familiar with the necessity of knowing how to prescribe for our elderly population, there are many who are not as familiar. With the median age higher and people living into their 90's, this is even more important. Taking into account that when drug studies are done, before approval by the FDA, often patients in the study are not the age of patients taking the medication.
***Ask your doctor how familiar he/she is with prescribing medications for the older individual. To say he/she might not get insulted, would not be reality based, so bear in mind... if you have to be sensitive with your doctor. This is just the reality of how some doctors might react. It has to do with ego, that is all, so just ask, ask and ask. This is your right as a patient.
Basic components of medications and the older individual focus on a process. This process starts with "communication" with all healthcare professionals. When the patient goes to the doctor being the beginning, and ends with the result of
treatment, that being, medication. The following questions will assist the older individual .PROVIDE THE DOCTOR WITH A LIST OF ALL MEDICATIONS THAT ARE BEING TAKEN.. PRESCRIPTION OR OVER THE COUNTER..
1. What is this prescription and how often do I take the medication.
2. What type of medication is this?
3. Will this medication interact with any of the medications I am taking now?
4. What are the side effects of this medication?
5 Will this medication be covered by my insurance, and if not, is there another medication that will be effective?
6. Will this medication interact with any of the medications that I buy at the store, without a prescription from the doctor, OTC.
7. Is there anything I need to know about this medication, that you have not told me, or I have asked
Older individuals usually purchase over the counter medications for sleep, constipation, bone and joint pain and indigestion. Many of the drugs on the shelf at the store cause side effects, especially in the older person. Again, due to the aging process, decrease in functioning systems and multiple medical conditions.
The aging process often brings potential falling problems. Many people taking blood pressure medication experience lightheadedness or dizziness when they stand up. It is, more than, important to go from position to position slowly. Getting out of bed and sitting on the side of the bed, then standing, waiting then walking. This is to prevent a drop in blood pressure which would result in possibly falling. Most of the physicians I have spoken to say these intervals should be about 2 to 3 minutes, however, each individual is different, therefore, ASK your physician what would be best for you.
One of the more common ingredients used in OTC sleep aids is Benadryl... or as shown on the label ... Diphenhydramine. .. Elderly persons are more sensitive to the effects of antihistamines. Benadryl is an antihistamine, used for allergies. An example of this is Tylenol PM.
BEFORE TAKING ANY OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.
Falls occur in the elderly, and, often can be related to medications that are being taken, specifically sleep aids.
Benadryl can cause mental impairment, sedation, confusion, as well as causing medical problems in people with glaucoma, enlarged prostrate, asthma and lung disease. Note: This information is NOT to replace consulting your physician. Information is to increase the consumer awareness of side effects from OTC medications and to encourage communication with your physician and pharmacist.
Decongestant medications can produce dangerous situations especially in people taking certain medications, or who have high blood pressure and/or taking blood pressure medication. ASK YOUR PHYSICIAN/PHARMACIST FIRST BEFORE TAKING ANY OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATION.
Tylenol is an active ingredient in many OTC medications. Tylenol can interact with prescribed drugs, i.e. coumadin, as well as other medications. ASK YOUR PHYSICIAN/PHARMACIST BEFORE TAKING OTC MEDICATIONS.
Aspirin can have a drug-drug interaction with many medications, including, but not limited to Dilantin, Depokote, Methotrexate, other anticoagulant medications,
The use of alcohol can interfere with OTC medications and cause side effects.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), i.e. Motrin, Advil, Nuprin..have been shown to cause bleeding problems with older individuals, especially those who are taking medications to thin the blood.. Often stomach ulcers develop.
There have been excessive bleeding problems with older persons who are taking medication to thin the blood and who have used NSAIDs. Vioxx and Celebrex also can interfere with blood thinning medications
The above information is not to be used in place of speaking with your physician. This information is for educational purposes and to increase awareness to prevent negative outcomes from taking medication.
Note: Often drugs are very expensive, in spite of insurance coverage. Doctors, many times, have samples. Ask, Ask, Ask...
Additionally, many drug companies have special programs for those on limited incomes. These programs enable patients to receive medications the doctors order.
CONSUMER BEWARE..........................
1. Be an active participant in your care. Ask Questions.
2. Keep a record of all your medications. Put a copy in your wallet and keep a copy posted someplace in your home, i.e. refrigerator door, or cabinet door.
3. Tell your doctor all your allergies and have him/her show you where it is noted in your medical record.
4. If you see the nurse prior to seeing the doctor, make sure he/she has understood all that you have said and ask them to repeat back to you, especially, if they are writing down your medications. (Many are not Registered Nurses and are not familiar with medications).
5. Request education from the Pharmacist who is filling your prescription, as well as the physician ordering. Ask about drug-drug, as well as drug-food adverse reactions and side effects.
6. Read labels carefully when purchasing OTC medications.
7. Ask the Pharmacist if the OTC medication you are purchasing will interact with any other medications (or food) that you take.
Often older individuals do not question their physicians.
Myth: Never question a doctor, for he/she is "God".
Fact: It is YOUR body and you have a right to know what is happening to your
body. You have a right to ask... ANYTHING about your care
Patients have a right to know what treatment (medication) is being given, for what reason and what are other alternatives.
Patients have a right to request another opinion for a medical condition.
Patients have a right to quality care.
Patients have a right to know who is giving an injection to them. For example, often a Medical Assistant, not a nurse, will give an injection in the doctor's office. Often this medical assistant states they are a nurse. As a patient, you have a right to know the qualifications of those healthcare professionals that are rendering your care, including your physician.
Patients have a right to know if their doctor has had experience with geriatric medicine.
Patients have a right to refuse treatment and request additional information.
In conclusion, ASK, ASK ASK. Healthcare today has changed dramatically from thirty years ago. Doctors are more rushed and often do not have the time to spend with patients due to an overload of appointments. This is not getting better, as a matter of fact, many would say it is getting worse. Therefore, it is even more important, than ever, to question your doctor and ask questions....
Once there was a wonderful elderly woman, wise, gentle, caring, giving and loved by all. A doctor gave her a sample of a medication. She told the doctor she could not take that type of medication. The doctor insisted it would be okay. She took the medication and had side effects and fell during the night. It was downhill from that time on, living in constant pain and agony. This woman was my mother. This article is dedicated to her, for she would want others to not experience what she did and learn that it is okay to speak out and speak loud, very very loud
ASK AND ASK LOUDby Roberta Mikles
The large selection of OTC (over the counter medications) makes it overwhelming for the consumer who is searching for a sleeping medication, medication for constipation or pain. Several surveys have shown that the elderly are responsible for 40% of the consumption of OTC medications. The elderly are more at risk for side effects than younger individuals.
The aging process brings about many changes in the body. These changes, simply put, can result in side effects that can range from annoying to deadly. Not all older individuals experience side effects or adverse drug reactions. And, certainly, not to alarm the reader of this article, however, "consumer beware".... "consumer be informed" and "consumer know thy medications".
Older individuals often require lower doses of medication due to the physiological process of aging. Some doctor's who treat the Geriatric population have an expression, "go low, go slow". Having a physician that is familiar with geriatric care is of importance. Although, more and more physicians are becoming familiar with the necessity of knowing how to prescribe for our elderly population, there are many who are not as familiar. With the median age higher and people living into their 90's, this is even more important. Taking into account that when drug studies are done, before approval by the FDA, often patients in the study are not the age of patients taking the medication.
***Ask your doctor how familiar he/she is with prescribing medications for the older individual. To say he/she might not get insulted, would not be reality based, so bear in mind... if you have to be sensitive with your doctor. This is just the reality of how some doctors might react. It has to do with ego, that is all, so just ask, ask and ask. This is your right as a patient.
Basic components of medications and the older individual focus on a process. This process starts with "communication" with all healthcare professionals. When the patient goes to the doctor being the beginning, and ends with the result of
treatment, that being, medication. The following questions will assist the older individual .PROVIDE THE DOCTOR WITH A LIST OF ALL MEDICATIONS THAT ARE BEING TAKEN.. PRESCRIPTION OR OVER THE COUNTER..
1. What is this prescription and how often do I take the medication.
2. What type of medication is this?
3. Will this medication interact with any of the medications I am taking now?
4. What are the side effects of this medication?
5 Will this medication be covered by my insurance, and if not, is there another medication that will be effective?
6. Will this medication interact with any of the medications that I buy at the store, without a prescription from the doctor, OTC.
7. Is there anything I need to know about this medication, that you have not told me, or I have asked
Older individuals usually purchase over the counter medications for sleep, constipation, bone and joint pain and indigestion. Many of the drugs on the shelf at the store cause side effects, especially in the older person. Again, due to the aging process, decrease in functioning systems and multiple medical conditions.
The aging process often brings potential falling problems. Many people taking blood pressure medication experience lightheadedness or dizziness when they stand up. It is, more than, important to go from position to position slowly. Getting out of bed and sitting on the side of the bed, then standing, waiting then walking. This is to prevent a drop in blood pressure which would result in possibly falling. Most of the physicians I have spoken to say these intervals should be about 2 to 3 minutes, however, each individual is different, therefore, ASK your physician what would be best for you.
One of the more common ingredients used in OTC sleep aids is Benadryl... or as shown on the label ... Diphenhydramine. .. Elderly persons are more sensitive to the effects of antihistamines. Benadryl is an antihistamine, used for allergies. An example of this is Tylenol PM.
BEFORE TAKING ANY OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS, CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR.
Falls occur in the elderly, and, often can be related to medications that are being taken, specifically sleep aids.
Benadryl can cause mental impairment, sedation, confusion, as well as causing medical problems in people with glaucoma, enlarged prostrate, asthma and lung disease. Note: This information is NOT to replace consulting your physician. Information is to increase the consumer awareness of side effects from OTC medications and to encourage communication with your physician and pharmacist.
Decongestant medications can produce dangerous situations especially in people taking certain medications, or who have high blood pressure and/or taking blood pressure medication. ASK YOUR PHYSICIAN/PHARMACIST FIRST BEFORE TAKING ANY OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATION.
Tylenol is an active ingredient in many OTC medications. Tylenol can interact with prescribed drugs, i.e. coumadin, as well as other medications. ASK YOUR PHYSICIAN/PHARMACIST BEFORE TAKING OTC MEDICATIONS.
Aspirin can have a drug-drug interaction with many medications, including, but not limited to Dilantin, Depokote, Methotrexate, other anticoagulant medications,
The use of alcohol can interfere with OTC medications and cause side effects.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), i.e. Motrin, Advil, Nuprin..have been shown to cause bleeding problems with older individuals, especially those who are taking medications to thin the blood.. Often stomach ulcers develop.
There have been excessive bleeding problems with older persons who are taking medication to thin the blood and who have used NSAIDs. Vioxx and Celebrex also can interfere with blood thinning medications
The above information is not to be used in place of speaking with your physician. This information is for educational purposes and to increase awareness to prevent negative outcomes from taking medication.
Note: Often drugs are very expensive, in spite of insurance coverage. Doctors, many times, have samples. Ask, Ask, Ask...
Additionally, many drug companies have special programs for those on limited incomes. These programs enable patients to receive medications the doctors order.
CONSUMER BEWARE..........................
1. Be an active participant in your care. Ask Questions.
2. Keep a record of all your medications. Put a copy in your wallet and keep a copy posted someplace in your home, i.e. refrigerator door, or cabinet door.
3. Tell your doctor all your allergies and have him/her show you where it is noted in your medical record.
4. If you see the nurse prior to seeing the doctor, make sure he/she has understood all that you have said and ask them to repeat back to you, especially, if they are writing down your medications. (Many are not Registered Nurses and are not familiar with medications).
5. Request education from the Pharmacist who is filling your prescription, as well as the physician ordering. Ask about drug-drug, as well as drug-food adverse reactions and side effects.
6. Read labels carefully when purchasing OTC medications.
7. Ask the Pharmacist if the OTC medication you are purchasing will interact with any other medications (or food) that you take.
Often older individuals do not question their physicians.
Myth: Never question a doctor, for he/she is "God".
Fact: It is YOUR body and you have a right to know what is happening to your
body. You have a right to ask... ANYTHING about your care
Patients have a right to know what treatment (medication) is being given, for what reason and what are other alternatives.
Patients have a right to request another opinion for a medical condition.
Patients have a right to quality care.
Patients have a right to know who is giving an injection to them. For example, often a Medical Assistant, not a nurse, will give an injection in the doctor's office. Often this medical assistant states they are a nurse. As a patient, you have a right to know the qualifications of those healthcare professionals that are rendering your care, including your physician.
Patients have a right to know if their doctor has had experience with geriatric medicine.
Patients have a right to refuse treatment and request additional information.
In conclusion, ASK, ASK ASK. Healthcare today has changed dramatically from thirty years ago. Doctors are more rushed and often do not have the time to spend with patients due to an overload of appointments. This is not getting better, as a matter of fact, many would say it is getting worse. Therefore, it is even more important, than ever, to question your doctor and ask questions....
Once there was a wonderful elderly woman, wise, gentle, caring, giving and loved by all. A doctor gave her a sample of a medication. She told the doctor she could not take that type of medication. The doctor insisted it would be okay. She took the medication and had side effects and fell during the night. It was downhill from that time on, living in constant pain and agony. This woman was my mother. This article is dedicated to her, for she would want others to not experience what she did and learn that it is okay to speak out and speak loud, very very loud
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