Sponsored by the UW Poison Prevention Center Donna Lotzer, Pharmacist

Why Am I Here?  Think of older adults and medicines 83% take at least 1 prescription drug 50% take 3 or more medicines  To prevent potential poisoning from prescriptions and other remedies  With tips for managing your health remedies

Having a Senior Moment?  A little confused?  Things happen fast?  Unexpected visitors?  Change of routine?  How did that happen?  Should I bother to check it out?

What Are…  Health Remedies Prescriptions Over-the-Counter Meds Herbals Vitamins Supplements Certain foods and juices

Sources of Information  Pharmacist  Doctor  Nurse  Ads (TV and magazines)  Friends and family  Internet  Poison Center ( )

Poisoning Exposures  Are not just a problem in children

Poison Centers – They Help How?  Experts 24/7/365  They know drugs  Call when too much or the wrong medicine was taken  Call when feeling ill from medicine or ??  Can help with food, household exposures or other questions

 As drugs are added the likelihood of problems will increase.  Try to document when something changes  Herbals can cause big problems with Rx drugs Side Effects And Interactions

 Combined action of 2 or more drugs/supplements/foods Creates an unwanted effect or poisoning What is an Interaction

Shoe Boxes & Mystery Meds Proper storage for meds is important Check to see if any have expired Sort through that shoe box! Caution for duplicate ingredients in Rx and OTC products

6 Questions  What is the name of my medicine?  What is the medicine for?  What side effects could I have?  How much and how often do I take this?  What should I do if I miss a dose or double the dose?  While taking this medicine should I avoid any foods or supplements?

Patient Information Sheet  This sheet should come with all new prescriptions  Some pharmacies can provide large print and other languages  Ask the pharmacist for an explanation!

Keep Track of Your Medicines  Helpful Tools Journal Pill reminder box Medicine safety brochure Medicine Journal

Pill Reminders… Can They Help?  Easy to open Load, lock, use  Locking system Prevents spills Difficult for kids to open  Convenient for home or travel Good reminder at home or away

Medicine Journal or Diary  Keep track of… Questions or problems related to your medicine Blood pressure &/or blood sugar readings  Take with you to: Doctor’s office Pharmacy

While I Have Your Attention…  Medicines are not the only way seniors can have problems  Consider mistakes that can lead to accidental poisonings for seniors and/or family members

What Could Possibly Hurt Me Around My Home?  Faulty furnaces and heaters produce deadly carbon monoxide  Mixing chemicals can cause noxious fumes  “Seeing” without glasses leads to mistakes  Spoiled food looks like edible food

Think About Mistakes & “Oops Moments” Info on how to make your home safe and poison-free for yourselves and the grandkids Find out how to be safe with medicines Wonder why accidents can happen to the best of us?

Look-Alike Products  “Mistaken identity” leads to problems  Cleaners mixed up with sport drinks?  Comet cleanser or Parmesan cheese?  Candy looks like kid’s vitamins  Plants and mushrooms – edible or poison?  Taking the wrong medicine or dose?  Call the poison center for advice!

Take Charge of Your Health  Thank You