Sponsored by the UW Poison Prevention CenterDonna 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

PharmacistDoctorNurseAds (TV and magazines)Friends and family InternetPoison Center

(1-800-222-1222)

Poisoning Exposures

Are not just aproblem inchildren

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 QuestionsWhat 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 SheetThis 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, useLocking system

Prevents spills Difficult for kids

to openConvenient 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 problemsConsider 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!

1-800-222-1222

Take Charge of Your Health

Thank You