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Drugs and Seniors

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As people get older, use of pharmaceutical and over the counter drugs increases. Seniors use more kinds of drugs in higher doses than any other age group. At the same time, due to declining health and physiology, they may be more susceptible to side effects and adverse reactions. This means that seniors in particularly should understand the drug consumer safety guidelines, and know how to recognize side effects, adverse reactions, and interactions of the drugs they are taking.

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Drug Consumer Safety Guidelines:

In order to make a responsible decision about drugs, one must first determine what chemical is being considered. Once that is known, one can evaluate the benefit versus the risk of taking the drug and, if it is administered, what to look for to identify any problems.

  1. Identify the name of the chemical.

  2. Consider where it works in the body.

  3. Understand the correct dosage.

  4. Know what drug interactions will occur.

  5. Know if allergic reactions can occur.

  6. Determine if it can produce tolerance.

  7. Determine if it can produce dependence.

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HERE ARE SOME ADDITIONAL SAFETY TIPS
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES:

  • DO tell your doctors about all the medicines you are taking and any allergies or sensitivities you may have to any drug.
  • DO be sure to understand all instructions before starting to use a drug, including when to take it, with what, how long to continue, and what to do if problems occur.
  • DO make sure you take medicines when you're supposed to. If you are taking several drugs you many need a system for keeping track.
  • DO call your doctor if you notice any new symptoms or side-effects.
  • DO keep drugs in airtight containers and store them properly.
  • DO keep a permanent record of all drugs and vaccines you're sensitive or allergic to.
  • DON'T take more, or less, then the prescribed amount of any drug.
  • DON'T stop taking a drug suddenly without checking with your doctor, even if you feel better.
  • DON'T mix alcohol and medication unless your doctor approves. Although not all drugs react adversely with alcohol, many do.
  • DON'T take drugs prescribed for someone else, or give yours to someone else.
  • DON'T transfer a drug from it's original bottle to another.
  • DON'T keep old or expired medicines in your medicine cabinet.
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The drug technology that
contributes to longer lifespans
must be used carefully to
prevent harm from the
medications themselves.

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