Do you regularly take more than one medication?
The more medicine you take—including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and supplements—the more likely you are to have a medication error or a harmful interaction between your medications.
The risks are especially high for older adults, who often take multiple medications. According to a study released this year, about 1 in 6 adults age 62 and older are at risk for a harmful drug interaction.
What can you do to decrease your risk?
- Keep a list of all the medications you take, including supplements and natural products.
- Share this list with your health care provider and your pharmacist at every visit.
- Fill all your prescriptions at one pharmacy if possible. This makes it easier for your pharmacist to identify possible prescription drug interactions.
- Keep track of your medication schedule. Consider using a written calendar and checking a box each time you take a medication.
The poison center is here to help. Call 1-800-222-1222, chat online or text POISON to 85511 if:
- You took the wrong medication
- You took too much of your medication
- You took your medication at the wrong time
- You aren’t feeling well after taking a medication
