HOW TO TAKE MEDICINES SAFELY, AND HELP FAMILY MEMBERS KEEP TRACK OF THEIR MEDICATION

People with chronic diseases and the elderly often have complex medication regimens, and mistakes are easily made

Research suggests that half of medications prescribed for people with chronic diseases might not be taken correctly.

As a pharmacist-health services researcher, Dr Antoinette Coe studies how to improve medication use and safety. Some of her motivation comes from personal experiences as a carer and helping family members keep track of their medications - which can get complicated.

Coe, an assistant professor of clinical pharmacy at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, in the United States, answered questions about how to prevent errors for "The Experts Say", an American Heart Association News series. Here are the highlights.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

What errors do people make with medications?

Some common problems people make are forgetting to take it or not taking it at the right time; taking too much or too little; and taking medications that can interact with each other, including over-the-counter medications, herbal products and supplements.

What are the concerns for older people?

They may have multiple chronic conditions needing complex medication regimens, leading to an increased risk for drug interactions or challenges with taking medications.

Also, older adults may have changes in liver or kidney function, which can affect how the body metabolises and clears the medications from the body.

Vision or hearing impairments may lead to problems reading prescription labels or hearing instructions. Arthritis may make it hard to open bottles.

Cognitive decline may make it harder for older adults to remember how or when to take their medications. Medication costs may also be a large problem.

What questions should people ask about their medications, and to whom?

A patient should understand what each medication treats and how and when to take it, including whether to take it with food.

Questions to consider for their doctor include:

• What is this medication being prescribed for?

• What are potential side effects, and what should I do if they occur?

• How long do I need to take this medication?

• Is there anything I should avoid while taking this medication, such as food?

Questions for pharmacists include:

• How should I take this medication?

• Does it interact with any of my other medications?

• Are there any side effects I should be concerned about?

• What should I do if I miss a dose?

• Where should I store this medication: in the refrigerator or at room temperature?

What should people and their carers do to avoid medication errors?

Have an accurate and up-to-date list of all medications they take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, herbal medications and supplements, and share it with their healthcare team.

Fill all prescriptions at one pharmacy, if possible, so the pharmacist knows their medications and can check for drug interactions or duplications.

People should ask their pharmacist, doctor or other healthcare team member if any medication instructions are not clear.

Storing medications properly and keeping them out of reach of children is also important.

What advice do you give to friends or family about medications?

Make sure they have a list of all of their medications, dosages, how to take them, why they are taking them, and who prescribed their medication. They should keep that list with them to bring to all of their medical appointments.

If they are having any issues with remembering to take their medications as prescribed, consider using a medication pill box, a reminder alarm or an app on their phone.

Like what you read? Follow SCMP Lifestyle on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also sign up for our eNewsletter here.

More Articles from SCMP

Ho King-yuen, pioneer of ice cream van in Hong Kong, dies aged 98, leaving sweet legacy

Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong meets 8 top officials to hear economic plans

Alexis Badel aims to take advantage of Lucky pickup ride at Sha Tin dirt meeting

Ex-husband of slain model Abby Choi told to flee Hong Kong by boat, court hears

This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.

Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

2025-02-11T08:24:31Z