Tracking medications: a safety tip
According to the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), person over the age of 65 purchase more than 30% of all prescription
medication and more than 40% of over the counter (OTC) medicines. Estimates are
that as many as 90% of seniors use either herbal remedies or vitamins. In
addition, I would like to add and discuss food interactions as well.
As a RN I have to tell you that there are some
herbal remedies, vitamins, and food that cause medications to either not work
or become too powerful for the aging person to handle.
One example is grapefruit, in my years as a CNA
(Certified Nursing Assistant) and even as a RN (Registered Nurse) I have seen
many patients have a grapefruit for breakfast while taking their medications.
Then, I have to tell them that is not a good idea. Why you ask?
Grapefruit juice
interacts with some calcium channel blockers (blood pressure medication) and
increases the level of the medicine in your blood. If you're taking any of the
medicines below, seek advice from your pharmacist or doctor if you wish to
include grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet.
·
amlodipine
·
felodipine
·
isradipine
·
lacidipine
·
lercanidipine
·
nicardipine
·
nifedipine
·
nimodipine
·
verapamil
If you feel like you need help, please contact
us and we can help as well.
Some experts estimate that seniors take an
average of 4-5 medications daily. As a RN and Care Manager, I can tell you from
experience, this is correct. I have been in homes where I have spent 3 hours
helping the patient to organize, discard, and learn their medications. But, the
kicker is, I love it! The relief, the happiness and pure joy that comes over
them when I ask them how their medications are now, it’s a dramatic, positive
difference.
The safety issue is that physicians aren’t always
aware of all medications a senior is taking, especially if they see different
doctors (lung {pulmonary}, heart {cardiology}, and cancer {oncology} - for
example) there is potential for dangerous drug interactions.
To protect yourself, loved one, and prevent ED
visits and hospital admission - make a list of all medications, vitamins and
herbal remedies that your loved one is taking and share with all doctors and
keep the list updated.
If you feel like you need help, please contact
us and we can help as well. Evolve Senior Solutions, LLC offers a great
medication management services – one on one time with a RN about you and your
medications! Where does that happen? With Evolve Senior Solutions, LLC that is where, so Connect with us.
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