Many poison center calls are from older adults who get their medications confused.  This is always cause for alarm.  Sometimes it's dangerous.  Here are some frequent examples:

• Taking an extra dose because you forgot that you took your medicine already.
• Taking two medicines with the same active ingredient, for example two kinds of cough and cold medicine.
• Taking the wrong kind of insulin.
• Putting all the pills in one container, then not remembering if the blue one was for blood pressure or arthritis.
• Forgetting to take your medicine.

We're fortunate that medicines help us live long, productive lives. But, it can be terrifying to be dizzy because you took a double dose. It can be expensive to spend a day in the hospital because you took the wrong medicine. And no one wants to forget his or her medicine and become ill as a result.

 

• A medication minder has compartments for day of week and time of day.  There are many sizes available.  These can be set up once a week.  All during the week, a quick glance will tell you if you took your pills with breakfast or forgot your pills in the evening.  (If young children spend time in your home, be sure this container is child-resistant.  Store it where children cannot get to it.)
• A written log can be set up ahead of time or written in as you take your medicines.  Either way, you can tell at a glance if you've taken your medicines.
• If you forget to take medicine, an alarm or buzzer could work to remind you.

Whether filling a minder, taking medicine from a container, or measuring insulin, basic safety techniques apply:

• Take only your own medicine.
• Check the label every time you take medicine.  Take the right medicine at the right time in the right amount.
• If you need glasses, wear them.
• Turn on the light!