OKLAHOMA CITY – September is both Healthy Aging Month and National Senior Center Month, and the Oklahoma Poison Center, a program of the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy, reminds older adults that safe medication use is a vital part of healthy aging.
Each year, medication errors account for half of all calls to the helpline from Oklahomans aged 60 and older. As people age, they often take more prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs and supplements, which raises the risk of harmful mistakes.
“Medication mix-ups are the No. 1 reason older adults call the Poison Center,” said Kristie Edelen, managing director. “Sometimes it’s an extra dose, a missed dose or a dangerous interaction. These may sound minor, but they can quickly turn into serious emergencies. We want seniors to know we’re here, 24/7, to answer questions and help prevent tragedies.”
Why Seniors Call the Poison Center:
•Took too much of a medication
•Confusion about drug interactions
•Missed a dose and unsure what to do
•Took the wrong medicine by mistake
•Unsure if a new prescription can be combined with vitamins, herbals or alcohol Medication Safety Tips for Older Adults:
•Use one pharmacy for all prescriptions
•Keep medicines in their original containers
•Read the label before each dose
•Never take medicine in the dark
•Safely dispose of expired or unneeded medicines
•Ask your doctor or pharmacist before mixing prescriptions with other products Calls also come when visiting grandchildren get into unsecured medications. Many grandparents don’t think about childproofing because they don’t live with children full-time, but a toddler can swallow pills in seconds.
Protecting Visiting Grandchildren:
•Store medicines out of reach and sight
•Use a lock box when possible
•Never call medicine “candy”
•Use child-resistant caps, although they are not childproof. If given enough time, a child can access the contents of the container.
The Oklahoma Poison Center urges older adults, caregivers and families to call the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222 with questions about medication safety or possible poisonings. Trained pharmacists and nurses are available 24/7, at no cost.
“Healthy aging isn’t just about exercise and diet – it’s also about taking medications safely,” Edelen said. “A simple call to the Oklahoma Poison Center can save a life or prevent unnecessary ER visits or hospital stays.”
