older people’s health issues
Aging and Medications
Remembering to Take Drugs as Prescribed
To benefit from taking drugs, people must remember not only to take their drugs but also to take them at the right time and in the right way. When several drugs are taken, the schedule for taking them can be complex. For example, drugs may have to be taken at different times throughout the day to avoid interactions. Some drugs may have to be taken with food. Other drugs have to be taken when no food is in the stomach. The more complex the schedule, the more likely people are to make mistakes. For example, bisphosphonates (such asalendronate,risedronate, andibandronate), which are used to increase bone density, need to be taken on an empty stomach and with only water (at least a full glass). If these drugs are taken with other liquids or food, they are not absorbed well and do not work effectively. If older people have memory problems, following a complex schedule is even harder. Such people usually need help, often from family members. The doctor can be asked about simplifying the schedule. Often, doses can be rescheduled to make taking the drugs more convenient or reduce the total number of daily doses. Also, over time, some drugs may not be needed any longer and can be stopped. The following things can help people remember to take their drugs as prescribed: Memory aids Drug containers Smartphone apps Memory aids can help older people remember to take their drugs. For example, taking a drug can be associated with a specific daily task, such as eating a meal. A pharmacist can provide containers that help people take drugs as instructed. Daily doses for 1 week or 2 weeks may be packaged in a plastic pack marked with the days or with the times of the day, so that people can keep track of doses taken by noting the empty spaces. Some pharmacies can package drugs in blister packs, so that the daily dose can be easily removed and kept track of. However, such packaging may cost a little more. Additionally, many pharmacies can adjust refill schedules so that regularly used drugs are picked up on a single day each month. This decreases confusion, helps reduce trips to the pharmacy, and minimizes mistakes filling pill organizers. More elaborate containers with a computerized reminder system are available. These containers beep, flash, or talk at dosing time. Apps that help people manage their drugs can be downloaded to multiple smartphones and tablets. These apps can help older people or their family members remember to take their drugs on time. Many of these apps include reminder alerts, which are sent to the device. Some of these apps may cost money. 