April 4, 2007 - Proper Use Of Medication Is The Key
By RVH Nurse Manager, Maureen Sly Havey, and Paul Buchner, RVH Pharmacist

Medications can help us lead longer, healthier lives. They can also be dangerous if used inappropriately. Statistics show that numbers of prescriptions in the population, as well as the number of prescriptions being prescribed per person, are steadily increasing. It is important that there are no unintentional discrepancies between a person’s medications when they are admitted or discharged from the hospital compared with what they are taking at home. The term for this is medication reconciliation.

At St. Francis Memorial Hospital, we are in the process of looking at our system of medication reconciliation to make sure it’s the best it can be. An important step in medication reconciliation is to educate and involve our community members to help us in our efforts to provide optimum care. Here is what you can do to help us ensure there are no unintentional discrepancies in your medications:

When coming to the hospital, please bring all of your medications or a current list. Don’t forget to include medications such as eye drips, inhalers, suppositories, non-prescription medications, and any herbal products. It is also helpful for us to know when the last does of each medication was taken.

Try to always use the same pharmacy. By having a complete list of the medications you take, the pharmacist will be able to better advise you of any interactions between your medications. A complete list also helps the pharmacist advise you on which non-prescription products will interfere with your prescriptions or health condition.

If you have questions about your medications, ask your community pharmacist. You should know how and when to take your medications, possible side effects, and any special storage advice.

Expired medications or ones that you are no longer taking can be brought to your community pharmacy for safe disposal. Our local pharmacies will accept tablets, liquids, capsules, ointments, patches etc. Sharps are not accepted and other arrangements should be made such to dispose of these such as our Municipal Hazardous Waste Disposal Day.

Do not share medications! This is very dangerous because medications are prescribed specifically for one person and may interact negatively with another person’s medications

Unless you pre-pour you medication in advance, it is best to keep them in their original containers. They should be stored in a cool, dry place and out of the reach of children.

If you are seeing a new care provider such as a doctor, specialist, dentist etc., you can request a detailed printout of all your current meds from your pharmacist. This list can be kept in your wallet or purse in emergencies.

Antibiotic resistance is a problem. Taking antibiotics for the full length of time prescribed can help to prevent resistance.

Make it your job to know about your medications. Find out what it is and what it’s for before you begin taking it. You are not being pushy or rude. Questions like, “Can you tell me again what this medication is for?” or “Can I take this with my other medications?” are vitally important to your health. Harmful side effects can be avoided by asking these simple questions.