“Whether you’re at home or away, securing your medications helps prevent accidental poisoning and ensures medicines are used only by the person to whom they are prescribed,” said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension housing and consumer specialist.
Because many older adults may be using medications to manage at least one chronic health condition such as diabetes or heart disease, it is especially important they take precautions. Consider that, according to 2014 data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, adults 65 and older use more than one third of all prescribed medicine.
Once taken as prescribed, medications should be closed securely and immediately stored out of sight and out of reach of children. Since heat, moisture, air and light could interfere with the effectiveness of medications, they also should be stored in a cool, dry place such as a cabinet with a latch or lockable storage box.
“Keep all your medications and vitamins in their original packaging and don’t share your prescription medications with family, friends or pets,” Peek said.
Before traveling, make sure you have enough doses of medication to cover the entire duration of the trip plus a little extra in case your return is delayed.
“If you have questions about how to adjust your medication schedule because you’re traveling, be sure to consult your doctor or a pharmacist,” Peek said. “You may also consider taking a copy of the prescription as well as the contact numbers for your doctor and pharmacist in case you have to refill medications unexpectedly.”
Finally, if you are flying for the holidays, remember to keep medicines in the carry-on luggage, not the checked bags.
If, despite precautions, a suspected medication mistake occurs, contact poison control immediately at 800/222-1222.
###
Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Education Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The Director of Equal Opportunity, 408 Whitehurst, OSU, Stillwater, OK 74078-1035; phone 405-744-5371; email: [email protected] has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity. Any person (student, faculty, or staff) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based on gender may discuss his or her concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with OSU’s Title IX Coordinator 405-744-9154.
REPORTER/MEDIA CONTACT:
Leilana McKindra
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
140 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-6792
Fax: 405-744-5739
Email: [email protected]
