Avoiding Drug Abuse By Prescription

By Jan Howard

Misuse of prescription medications is often referred to as America’s other drug problem. The improper use of medicines is responsible for about ten percent of hospital admissions.

Taking medications prescribed by several different doct   ors in addition to over-the-counter medications may cause severe complications for a patient’s health.

 “Playing the Medicine Game” was the focus of the Lunch & Learn program sponsored by Ashlar of Newtown on November 16 at Lockwood Lodge.

During the hands-on workshop, participants brought their prescription and over-the-counter medications and vitamins to have them checked by Cathryn M. Dahlmeyer, health coordinator, and Robin Horne, pharmacist, of The Drug Center pharmacy located on Church Hill Road.

Ms Dahlmeyer discussed the importance of having a regular medication checkup to make sure all medicines are safe and being used appropriately.

“Be an educated consumer,” she said. “Ensure your medications are being used safely and effectively.”

Some medicines should not be taken together, but patients may receive prescriptions from different doctors, who may be unaware of other medications their patient is taking.

This could cause a major problem and make a difference in a patient feeling better.

Ms Dahlmeyer suggested that patients should keep a list of the medications they are taking so they can tell their doctors and pharmacists.

Fifty percent of patients do not take their medications properly. Also, physicians need to tell their patients about any possible side effects to a medication. Patients also need to know what activities to avoid while taking certain prescriptions.

“Doctors should involve the patient in their own care,” Ms Dahlmeyer said. “They need to communicate any bad effects of the medicine the patient will experience in order to achieve the good effects.”

In some cases, patients don’t understand directions for taking the medication or can’t read the directions because the type is too small, Ms Dahlmeyer said. This leads to misuse of medications.

 Some patients may think if they take more they will get better faster. Only the amount prescribed per day should be taken. “Patients must have the discipline to take the medication when required,” she said.

Ms Dahlmeyer suggested a prescription container or a calendar or schedule to keep track of when to take a medication.

A question and answer period addressed several concerns of the participants, including brand name medications versus generic, how to keep records of prescriptions, vitamin usage, and how to take medications.

In most cases, Ms Dahlmeyer said medications and vitamins should be taken with water to avoid any possible interactions, unless advised otherwise by a physician.

She said multiple doses of certain vitamins should be taken at different times of the day for better absorption. She also noted that too high levels of certain vitamins could be toxic. “If you take too much of some vitamins, your liver can’t flush them out. You need to know what you’re doing.”

One attendee suggested keeping a list of medications on the refrigerator door so medical personnel responding to an emergency would know what is being taken.

The list should include the dose, how often it is used, the imprint on the capsule, and the pharmacy that filled the prescription.

Also, list medication and food allergies, and any over-the-counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements or herbal products taken regularly.

Some other hints offered were:

Keep medicines in original containers so you will know which is which and how to take them. Don’t take someone else’s medicine, and read the label every time you take a drug to make sure it is the right dose and that you are following the instructions properly.

Don’t take medicines in the dark because you may take the wrong one. Don’t store medicines in the medicine cabinet or in direct sunlight because humidity, light and heat can affect their potency.

Don’t keep medication for pets with your medicines. Mix-ups can be dangerous.

Don’t keep tubes of ointments near toothpaste.

Flush any old medication down the toilet so children and pets cannot come in contact with them.

Ms Dahlmeyer said, “You should ask questions about your medications, know what you’re taking, and keep records of your prescriptions.”

Lunch & Learn is a series of free seminars for mature adults about living and aging well. For information about upcoming programs, contact Hilda DeLucia at 426-5847.