Medication use in Australians is highly individual and complex, making it more likely for medication mistakes to occur. While this might sound scary, with the right knowledge on common medication mistakes, why they happen, and guidance on practical prevention strategies, you can confidently take control of your health and ensure your treatment remains both safe and effective.
Importance of Medication Safety for Seniors
As individuals age, the more likely it is that they will develop multiple chronic conditions that require medication for management, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis.
In fact, a study conducted by the University of Western Australia, which surveyed Australians between 2013 and 2023, found that, on average, one in three Australians over 70 takes 5 or more medications. This is known as polypharmacy, which is defined as the concurrent use of multiple medications.
Polypharmacy is widely understood to have various associated risks, including an increased likelihood of drug interactions, adverse side effects, and cognitive impairment, all of which make medication safety and being informed about medication mistake prevention strategies so important.
Common Medication Mistakes
Even with good intentions, patients can make medication mistakes. Understanding these mistakes, however, is the first step toward preventing them.
Common medication mistakes made by individuals in the home include:
- Missed Dosages or Incorrect Timing: Taking medication at the wrong time, taking too much or too little, or skipping doses entirely.
- Improper Storage: Not refrigerating medication that requires it, such as insulin, can cause it to lose potency, become ineffective, or become potentially unsafe due to bacterial growth.
- Taking the Wrong Medication: Not checking the medication before you take it, especially if it has similar packaging to others.
- Ignoring Medication Interactions: Not checking to see if new medications interact with the ones you currently take.
- Wrong Route of Administration: Splitting or crushing pills that are supposed to be time-released or swallowing medication that is supposed to be injected.
Why Medication Mistakes Happen
Medication mistakes occur for a range of reasons, all of which result from the ageing process. The most common medication mistakes amongst seniors are:
- Multiple Prescriptions: Complex medication regimens with multiple prescriptions can make it difficult for individuals, let alone older individuals, to keep track of how much of what medication to take and when.
- Cognitive changes: Confusion, forgetfulness, and memory loss can make it hard to 1) remember to take medications at the appropriate time and 2) follow medication instructions.
- Gaps in Communication: Different healthcare providers, doctors, and pharmacies may offer different instructions, making them hard to follow.
- Physical Limitations: Conditions such as arthritis, limited mobility, or poor dexterity can make it hard to open some medication containers.
Practical Prevention Strategies
Preventing medication mistakes requires a multi-layered approach that involves implementing various strategies in your day-to-day life. Key strategies include:
Take Your Medication as Prescribed
Always, always, always ensure you are taking your medication exactly as your doctor prescribed it and never take a medication that has not been specifically prescribed for you, as you are risking potential adverse drug interactions.
If you are experiencing adverse side effects or you just feel like the medication isn’t working, or if it is working so well you think you don’t need it anymore, don’t just discontinue use; instead, immediately inform your healthcare professional.
Store Your Medications Properly
Some medications require storage in very specific locations to remain stable and effective. For example, insulin, liquid antibiotics, some eyedrops, and specialty drugs must be stored in a refrigerator. Failure to follow storage requirements can result in medication degradation, loss of potency, ineffectiveness, or even poisoning.
In addition to this, it’s imperative that you check the expiration date of medications and always dispose of those that have passed their due-by date. After the expiration date, the medication’s composition may change, resulting in serious harm, loss of efficacy, or increased instability, ultimately risking ineffective treatment for some illnesses and chronic conditions.
Be Aware of Potential Interactions & Side Effects
Before prescribing a specific medication, your doctor will consider various factors, including your and your family’s health history, and potential side effects or drug interactions. They do so to ensure maximum effectiveness while also minimising the risk of adverse side effects. For this reason, it is so important that you do not take any medication that isn’t your own or that has not been prescribed to you by your healthcare provider.
If you have any concerns about side effects or interactions, please consult with your doctor before they prescribe you the medication, and always ask any questions if you’re unsure.
Keep an Updated Medications List
If you’re on multiple medications, we highly recommend keeping an updated medication list. This may involve listing the name of the new medication, what it treats, your dosage, and how often and when you should take it.
Updating your medication list, whether by adding new medications or removing those you have stopped taking, helps to prevent medication mistakes such as missed doses, taking the wrong dose, or taking the right dose at the wrong time. This, in turn, ensures that your medications work as intended and that you remain safe while managing your health.
Use a Pill Organiser System
Using a pill organiser system, such as those organised day by day, is highly beneficial for seniors, particularly those managing multiple chronic conditions, as it helps you manage complex medication schedules and ensure:
- You take the correct dose
- You don’t miss a dose
- You don’t take someone else’s medication
Setting aside some time each week in advance to refill your pill organiser system helps increase your independence and provides peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
Keep Medications Separate From Family Members’ Medications
If you’ve already got a pill organiser sorted, there is no need for this step. However, if you don’t, simply ensure you keep your medications separate from your loved ones’ medications to reduce confusion and the risk that you may take their medication instead of yours. It’s as easy as that.
Ask a Professional if Unsure
If you ever have questions or concerns about your medications or medication regimen, always consult a healthcare professional, whether that be your doctor or a pharmacist. Doing so is vital not only for your health but also for your peace of mind.
It is always better to ask a “silly” question than to risk a medical mishap. You should contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately if:
- You experience side effects
- You’re confused by the instructions
- You miss a dose
