Tips for Taking Medicine as You Age

Tips for Taking Medicine as You Age

 

Woman's hands holding medicine bottle, in store

As you grow older, you may need to take medicines for more than one health condition. Use caution when taking your medicines. 

  • Medicines can interact with other medicines or some foods and drinks to cause side effects. 
  • Your body’s ability to absorb and use medicines may change as you age. This can affect the amount of medicine you need to take. 

Tips to stay safe

  • Tell your doctor if you are on a special diet, if you drink alcohol, or if you smoke.
  • Know what the purpose of each medicine you take is.
  • Know what to look for if the medicine is or is not working. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Carry with you a current list of all the prescription medicines, over the counter medicines, supplements, vitamins and herbal products you are taking. 
  • Show your list of medicines to your doctors and pharmacist each time you start a new medicine and at least once a year to look for drug interactions. Drug interactions occur when two medicines interact with each other causing unwanted side effects. It may help to bring all of the medicines you take to your doctor’s office once a year for a medicine check-up.
  • Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose before you take two doses or skip a dose.
  • Buy your prescription medicines at one store. This lets your pharmacist keep track of the medicines you take to help you avoid drug interactions.
  • Have your prescriptions refilled early, so you do not run out of medicine.
  • Talk to your pharmacist about any questions you may have about your medicines. Ask your pharmacist:
    • If there are any foods or drinks you should limit.
    • If any new prescription medicines, over the counter medicines, supplements, vitamins and herbal products can affect your other health conditions.
  • Do not drink alcohol while taking your medicines unless your doctor or pharmacist says that it is safe.
  • Your pharmacist can help if you need special bottles or labels. You may want labels with larger print, easy-open lids or split pills if you are supposed to take half a pill at a time.  

Tips to lessen or deal with side effects

  • Tell your doctor if you have any allergies or have had any problems with medicines in the past such as rashes, indigestion or dizziness.
  • Learn about the possible side effects of the medicines you are taking. Review and keep the written information about your medicine from the pharmacy.
  • Call your doctor right away if you have any side effects. Common side effects include rashes, dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, falls, depression, problems sleeping, nausea or diarrhea.  Your doctor may change your medicine or help you to lessen the side effects.

Tips for taking your medicine

  • Take your medicine in the exact amount and at the time your doctor orders. 
  • Do not take expired medicine.
  • Do not stop taking a medicine without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better.
  • Bring a friend or family member to your doctor’s appointments if you have trouble remembering the instructions your doctor gives you about your medicines.
  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any problems with taking your medicines, such as:
    • Telling your medicines apart
    • Remembering to take your medicines
    • Remembering how much to take
    • Swallowing your medicines
    • Paying for your medicines
  • Use some method to help you take your medicines on time, such as:
    • Take your medicines with meals, at bedtime or on a schedule with your favorite television shows. 
    • Use a pill organizer, calendar or chart.
    • Set an alarm clock.
    • Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, nurse or social worker about other methods.

Tips for storing your medicine

  • Keep your supply of medicines in their original containers. 
  • Store them in a cool, dry place that is away from bright light.
  • Ask for medicine bottles without childproof caps if you have trouble-opening bottles. 
  • Keep all medicines out of sight and out of reach of children.

Ask questions about the medicines you are taking. Your health care team is there to help you avoid problems.

© 2007 – February 6, 2024, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or health care team if you have any questions about your care. For more health information, call the Library for Health Information at 614-293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.