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A Prescription for Safety

Date: 12/31/2029

As a caregiver, there are many tasks that become so ingrained in your daily routine that you rarely give them a second thought.

A Prescription for Safety

As a caregiver, there are many tasks that become so ingrained in your daily routine that you rarely give them a second thought. Trips to the pharmacy to fill and refill prescriptions are probably chief among these. But did you know that spending just a few extra minutes talking to the pharmacist could save your loved one from a harmful drug interaction and help them get the most benefit from their medications?

The next time you need to fill a prescription, ask to speak with the pharmacist and address the following questions and concerns:

• Make sure to give the pharmacist the same information you would provide to your physician regarding the medications your loved one is taking and any reactions they may have experienced in the past. Be as thorough as possible and don’t forget to mention over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements and vitamins, as these can also cause drug interactions.

• If your loved one lives in a household without children, consider asking for containers with easy-to-open lids. Reducing obstacles for your loved one to take their medication will help to prevent them from skipping doses.

• For liquid medications, request a measuring spoon or medical syringe from the pharmacist. These will be more accurate than a kitchen teaspoon and will help to ensure that your loved one is receiving the exact recommended dosage.

• Ask how the medication should be stored. Some require refrigeration while others are susceptible to breaking down in humid environments and therefore should not be kept in the bathroom.

• Before you leave, compare the medication you received and the directions on the package with the instructions you received from the physician. If there are discrepancies, or if you have questions, be sure to discuss these with the pharmacist.

Taking these simple precautionary measures will require only a few minutes of your time, but they will pay great dividends in peace of mind for you and safety for your loved one.