Did you know that at least 63% of senior adults age 65 and older have prescriptions for three or more medicines?
Tips for Taking Medicines Safely:
- If you ever have any questions about your medicines, talk to your doctor or pharmacist or call NC Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
- Keep a list of your medicines to take to doctor appointments and for emergencies.
- Store family members' medicines in separate locations so you won't mix up their medicines with yours.
- Never take medicine in the dark--turn on the lights so you can see what you're taking.
- Read the label before taking your medicine. If you wear glasses, make sure you put them on first!
- Keep a daily record of each dose of medicine you take. This will help you not to skip a dose or take too many doses of your medicine.
- Never take extra doses of medicine.
- Never take expired medicine.
- Never take anyone else's medicine.
- Just because you feel better, don't stop taking your medicine without talking to your doctor.
Download and print our brochure, Medicine Safety for Seniors. You may also receive a copy by mail when you order a Senior Pack through our online store.
A Few Facts about Grandchildren and Medicine:
- 65% of senior adults choose non-child resistant
caps on medicine bottles, posing a potential hazard to
children visiting their home
-
Up to 36% of poisonings in children take place in the
grandparents' home
- Up to 20% of poisonings in children involve a grandparent's
medication
Tips for Keeping Grandchildren Safe:
-
When possible, choose medicine with child-resistant caps. Remember, NOTHING is childproof.
- Keep weekly pill minders in a secure place. They are not child resistant.
- Never take your medications in front of young children. Children like to imitate adults.
-
If children visit your home, keep medications in a locked cabinet.
- Only give infants and children under your care over-the-counter medicines that are formulated for their age group and weight. Never give them medicines formulated for adults.
