1. Senior Medication Management
Jaslin Yu
San Mateo County Health Department
Armand Chann, Pharmacist
Member of Senior Medication Management Advisory Committee
8/25/2019

2. The purpose of today’s presentation:
1) Provide information which will help prevent medication misuse problems in older persons
2) Suggest some ways to help you to use medication safely & wisely
8/25/2019

3. Facts About Older Adults and Medicines in the United States
More than 23 million Americans age 65 or older take, on average, between one and six or more prescription medicines each day.
The average person over 65 takes twice as many prescriptions as younger people.
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4. Adverse reactions to drugs
Unwanted side effects of medicines are seven times more common in the elderly than in younger adults.
Each year, more than 9 million adverse drug reactions occur in older Americans.
Nearly 25% of all hospital admissions result from older adults who don’t take their medications properly.
.(The more drugs you take the more likelihood that you will have a reaction to a drug)
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5. How to Avoid Problems with Medicines
When you are still in the doctor’s office:
- Ask questions
- Talk about taking medicines
- Show your doctors & dentist your MEDICINE RECORD
When you go to the pharmacy:
- Open the prescription bag
- Read the label
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6. How to Avoid Problems with Medicines
When you get home:
- Organize your medicines (Brown bag with your doctor)
- Take your medicines Exactly as they were prescribed
Check for information about what to eat or drink with this medication
- If you think you are having a reaction: CALL YOUR DOCTOR
- If you have any questions: CALL YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST
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7. Problem Solving for Better Medication Management
If you have Impaired Vision:
- Ask pharmacist to use large print on label
- Use a magnifying glass to check labels before taking medication
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8. Problem Solving for Better Medication Management
If you have Impaired Hearing:
- Let others know if you did not hear the instructions
- Ask doctor/pharmacist to write instructions
- Ask someone to go with you to the doctor
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9. Problem Solving for Better Medication Management
If you have Forgetfulness:
- Use memory aid and daily or weekly medicine dispensers
If you have Limited Mobility:
- Use a pharmacy that will deliver prescription
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10. Problem Solving for Better Medication Management
If you have Limited Use of Hands:
- Ask pharmacist for easy-to-open medication caps
If you take Multiple Medications:
- Have doctor evaluate medication system regularly
- Use a pharmacy that keeps a patient profile for customers
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11. Problem Solving for Better Medication Management
If you have Multiple Doctors:
- Make sure each doctor knows all medications you are taking
- Purchase prescriptions at only one pharmacy
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12. Problem Solving for Better Medication Management
If the Cost of Medicines is a problem for you:
- Ask your doctor for free drug samples
- Take advantage of discount programs
- Ask doctor to prescribe generic medications if possible
- go to
or call HICAP
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13. U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) 1-888-463-6332
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14. Remember to Educate Before You Medicate
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15. ?
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