Here are some great tips from Kay Palmer, Aspirus Pharmacist:
· Keep an updated list of all medicines including any non-prescription medicines, vitamins and natural supplements. Share this list with your doctor, pharmacist, dentist and other health providers.
· Be sure your medicines are out of reach of any children or anyone who might misuse them. This is especially true for those that look like water or soft drinks. A cabinet or drawer with a lock works well.
· Store medicine in its original container.
· Do not mix different medicines together in the same container. This will make it difficult to identify during an emergency.
· Store all of your medicines in one designated location together.
· Request easy-to-open containers from your pharmacist if you have difficulty opening bottles.
· Keep your medicines separate from those of other family members. This will make it less likely that you take the wrong ones by mistake.
Kay has written more tips, plus she shares information about safe disposal of medicine in an easy-to-read brochure. Request your free copy by calling our Aspirus Information Center at 715.847.2380 or 1.800.847.4707. The brochure also includes a list of questions to ask your pharmacist or doctor about your medications. There is also a fill-in-the-blank form you can use to write your personal medication list.
It’s important to understand and organize your medications well.
Need help?
Aspirus offers a free program, “Medication Mondays.” This is a one-to-one-medication appointment with Aspirus pharmacy staff. To register, call the Aspirus Information Center at the above number.
