Arizona Falls Prevention Coalition Speaker Talking Points Health and Medication Management Team Developed Incidence & Statistics - Signs of Risk of Falls - Medication impact on Falls 2. Specific Medications (include OTCs) - Associated Risk Factors (Keep it Broad) - Info on specific medications - Danger of Poly-pharmacy. 3. Importance of Medication Review - Routine part of medical care - Know what and why medications are prescribed for 4. Resources available - Hand out - Best Practices *Note: May be good to include an interactive activity

2. Specific Medications (include OTCs)  Associated Risk Factors (Keep it Broad)  Info on specific medications  Danger of Poly-pharmacy

High Risk Medications for Falls  Cardiac Medications/Diuretics can cause: –Orthostatic hypotension –Dose-related hypotension –Water and electrolyte imbalance –Weakness –Arrythmias

High Risk Medications for Falls  Diabetic Medications can cause: –Hypoglycemia leading to dizziness –Syncope (fainting)

High Risk Medications for Falls  Eye Medications can cause: –Changes in vision

High Risk Medications for Falls  CNS (Central Nervous System) Medications can cause: –Drowsiness –Sedation

Medication Risks  Polypharmacy is taking three or more medications. –Can cause adverse drug effects, drug interactions, electrolyte imbalance, and decreased drug clearance rates with aging.

REMINDER  Be alert to high-risk adverse effects like hypotension, dizziness, sedation, hypoglycemia, visual disturbances due to polypharmacy.  Be instructed on the importance of calling for assistance before getting out of bed by yourself while experiencing these side effects.

3. Importance of Medication Review  Routine part of medical care  Know what and why medications are prescribed for

10 Vital Questions to ask about every prescription 1.What is the name of the medicine and what is it for? Also, is this the brand name or the generic name? 2.Is a generic version available? 3.How, when and for how long do I take it? 4.What foods, drinks, other medicines, dietary supplements or activities should I avoid while taking this medication? 5.When should this medicine start working? How will I know if it is? Are tests required while taking it (e.g., to check liver or kidney function?) 6.Are there any side effects? What are they and what do I do if they occur? 7.Will this medicine work safely with other medicines (prescription and non-prescription) Will it work safely with dietary/herbal supplements? 8.Will I need to refill? If so, when? 9.How should I store the medicine? 10.Is there written information about the medicine? Is it available in large print or other languages? To learn more about safe medicine use and the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE), go to