(NAPSA)—The good news is modern medicines can help people live longer andbetterlives. The bad newsis taking several prescriptions and over-thecounter (OTC) medications or herbal supplements, combined SINCE YOUCARE Series ofGuides from Metlife in Cooperation with the National Alliance for Caregiving, Medications and the Older Adult At F ; with normal changes in an aging body, can increase the chance of an adverse reaction resulting in serious health problems or dis- If young children visit, be sure to keep the bottles locked in a cabinet or on a high shelf. Ask about common allergic reactions you should watchfor. Ask about what to do if you prescription medications. Nonprescription drugs are real medicine and many prescription medica- percent of older adults take their medication properly. Almost 25 percent of all admissions to nurs- ing homes and hospitals are related to adverse reactions to medications experienced by older adults. The better news is there are steps you can take to prevent this problem: If you or a family memberis taking prescription medicine, make sure to check with the physician or pharmacist about taking OTC or herbal remedies. Makesure to read the label on the medication to be sureit’s the right one. Be certain you understand If you or yourrelative suffers from arthritis, ask the pharmacist for oversized, easy-openbottles. ability. Both OTC and herbals can cause harmful interactions when taken in combination with some tions are based on herbalingredients. Studies show fewer than 30 e If it is a new medication, ask for only half the prescription in case it causes a reaction. If there is anything written on the bottle that you do not understand, ask aboutit. You should also be aware that vitamins and minerals can interact with some drugs. e Avoid taking medicine with any alcoholic beverage. Be sure you understand the dose/amount to be taken, the frequency and whetheror not taking it at the same time every day is important. e Ask for how long the medica- tion should be taken. e Ask about any known side effects or problems for which you should be watching. e Ask for written instructions, if possible. Be sure the doctor’s chart the directions and are aware of any warnings there might be lists all medications. Because an older person often has more than one physician, make certain the Remember, drugs can inter- any current medications. Ask if whole medical team is informed of or your family member misses a dose. Don’t wait until it happens. e Ask if the medication is affected by heat, light or moisture. Ask if you can cut or crush a tablet or open a capsule. Ask if insurance covers the medication. Ask about expiration dates to determine safe and effective use. If you or your family member has difficulty with reading small print, ask for large-print prescrip- tion labels or use a magnifying glass to read. Learning More You can find additional information about medication in a free booklet from the MetLife Mature Market Institute called “Medications and the Older Adult.” It is part of the “Since You Care” series of guides created in cooperation with the National Alliance for act with food, too. Some medica- the primary care physician will coordinate the drugs. Caregiving. It includes information, resources and checklists. You can get a copy by calling (203) 221-6580, e-mailing maturemar meal. Others may need to be medication is being prescribed. www.maturemarketinstitute.com doctor or pharmacist about which may be used for a brand-name drug. related to taking this medication. tions should be taken a certain amount of time before or after a taken with food. Check with the foods or drinks to avoid. Be sure you know why each e Ask if a generic substitute ketinstitute@metlife.com, visiting or writing MetLife Mature Market Institute, 57 Greens Farms Road, Westport, CT 06880.
