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Medication Safety and You

General Medication Safety:

  • Keep a current list of all medications that you take (prescription drugs, nonprescription medication, herbal products, home remedies and vitamins) and medications that you cannot take because of an allergic reaction. It’s a good idea to keep this list with you at all times (in your wallet or purse) so that you can share this information with your doctors, pharmacist or dentist when needed. Update the list as your medications or dosages change.
  • Tell your doctor or pharmacist exactly how you take the medication especially if this is different from the originally prescribed directions.
  • Prescriptions should never be stored in a bathroom, on top of the fridge, beside the stove or on a windowsill. These areas can have high levels of humidity, heat and light that may alter the drug’s chemical stability. Keep them in a dry location at room temperature and away from direct sunlight.
  • Try to learn the names of the drugs you take and why you are taking them.
  • Ask if you should avoid certain foods, drinks, other medicines or activities while you are taking the drug.
  • Ask your pharmacist for written information on the drug. It is useful to keep in case you want to refresh your memory at a later time.
  • Be alert to unexpected changes such as receiving a prescription refill that seems to have a different strength or appearance from your original prescription.
  • Remember that when you are in the hospital you can always ask to speak to a pharmacist if you have questions about your medications.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Poison Prevention- It’s Up to You!

Safety tips that every patient, parent, grandparent or caregiver can use:

  • Use child-resistant closures on medicines and other products. Remember that child-resistant doesn’t mean childproof and all medications should be stored safely away from children.
  • Keep all medications (prescription and non-prescription) in their original containers.
  • Always turn the light on when giving or taking medications.
  • Children imitate adults so try to avoid taking medications when they are around.
  • Avoid calling medicine “candy”.
  • Check your prescriptions periodically for expiration dates.
  • Dispose of medications properly. Most pharmacies will take your old drugs for proper disposal. Avoid putting them in trashcans or into the toilet.
  • Vitamins, especially those containing iron, can be very dangerous in large doses. Children are especially sensitive to the bad effects of a vitamin overdose.
  • Keep the number of the local poison control center near the phone. It can be found in the front of your telephone book.
  • Never give syrup of ipecac or activated charcoal unless directed by a physician or the poison control center.

Happy Trails! (Traveling Safely with Medications)

Whether you are traveling within the province or internationally, planning is the key to preventing problems with your medications.

  • If you are flying, keep your medications in your carry-on luggage so that you have access to them during the flight and will not lose them if your luggage is lost. This also prevents your medications from being exposed to the temperature extremes that can occur in the baggage compartment. Keep in mind that airport security requires your medications to be in their original labeled containers.
  • If you require a syringe or needle to administer your medication(for example insulin) you may need to carry your prescription with you to be sure you can get through airport security and customs in some countries. The Canadian Diabetes Association recommends you get a letter from your doctor indicating you require syringes to administer your medication.
  • Make sure you carry your doctor’s and pharmacy’s phone numbers with you.
  • If you are traveling through several time zones, consult your doctor or pharmacist to work out a plan for adjusting the timing of your medication. This will prevent you from taking too much or too little.
  • If you are visiting a foreign country, beware of buying over-the-counter drugs. Many medications that are prescription in Canada may be available over-the-counter in other countries.
  • If you are visiting a hot, humid climate, be sure your medications are kept in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.
  • Take along more medication than the number of days you plan to be away. This will allow you to be prepared for unexpected delays.

Adult Vaccines

  • Influenza vaccine (flu shot) is offered each fall to all those over age 65 and those with chronic diseases (cardiac disease, lung disease, immunocompromised conditions).
  • The flu shot can help prevent many of the complications caused by influenza viruses.
  • The pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent a bacterial infection that can be life threatening.
  • The pneumococcal vaccine is offered to the same groups of people as the flu shot but is not given every year. It can be given any time of the year and a second dose of the vaccine is sometimes required.
  • Talk to your doctor to see if you would benefit from either of these vaccines.

Alternative Medicines

  • Remember that the term “natural” does not necessarily mean “safe”
  • Always tell your doctors, pharmacist or other health care providers about all the products you are taking, including herbal remedies, non-prescription medicines, prescription medicines and vitamins or supplements.
  • If you are taking a prescription medication, do not start any herbal remedy or dietary supplement without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to check if the herb will interact with your medications.
  • Only take the recommended amount listed on the label
  • It is a good idea to only take products that have dosing advice, ingredients, expiry date, and manufacturer’s information on the label. Your pharmacist can aid you in choosing a product from a reputable company.
  • It is especially important to check with a pharmacist or physician before you begin a herbal product if you are also taking blood thinners. Many herbal products can interfere with blood clotting which can result in increased bleeding problems.

Important Safety Information Regarding Viagra, Cialis or Levitra Use in Cardiac Patients

  • You must not use these products (used for erectile dysfunction) if you are taking any medications that contain nitrates (ex. Nitroglycerin patches, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin spray or tablets)
  • If you take Viagra, Cialis or Levitra with a nitrate containing medication your blood pressure could drop suddenly to a life-threatening level. You could get dizzy, faint or even suffer a heart attack or stroke.
  • If you develop chest pain within 24 hours of taking any of these medications, you must inform the doctor, paramedics or emergency room physicians involved in your care.
  • If you are not sure if any of your medications contain nitrates, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)

 

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