Pigs in the ER! Not oh my…but oh yes!    Not the squealing kind but the medication kind…Pills in Grocery Sacks  (PIGS).

As an Emergency Nurse it surprises me how many medication that our elderly population is taking on a regular basis.  Studies have shown that people over the age of 65 are taking at least 4 prescribed meds and 3-4 over the counter medications in addition. I think that this is on the low side.  I triage many patients that are taking in the excess of 10 prescribed meds plus herbals and over the counter meds.   Majority of the time the family member who brings the patient to the ED doesn’t have any idea of the meds their loved one is taking much less their dosages.   Left to the patient many times, we don’t get an accurate or up to date picture of the patient’s current medications, even with the new computer software that is being used.

• Wrong meds, wrong dosage, wrong amount CAN KILL YOU.
• 1 out 3 people over the age of 65 will have medication problems at home.
• 10-15%of Emergency Room visits are related to drug reactions, interactions and overdoses.

Tips to help manage medications

• Loved ones that have memory or vision problems need to have someone else manage their medications. Start with taking the medications and putting them in a safe and unreachable place.  If necessary under lock and key. Use a daily /weekly pill box.
• When new medications are prescribed find out what the medication is for.  See if this is the smallest dose that can be prescribed and then increase gradually.
• Don’t just stop taking a medication without letting your doctor know.   If price is a problem let the doctor know this.  Many times there are other generations of the same drug that can be substituted in its place that are not as costly.  If you don’t inform the doctor you aren’t taking the first medication he could possibly give you a second medication to supplement the first.  Because according to their records you are still taking the first and now the second has been given.
• Tell every doctor that you see all of the meds, herbals, and over the counter med that you take. They can then coordinate any additional meds.
• Make the pharmacist your friend. He can explain all of your medications to you, computer check drug interactions and allergies, make accommodations to any disabilities you might have, (for example poor eyesight.

MAX, The MED Manager CAN HELP!

The MED Manager’s unique medication system keeps track of the meds that the patient is taking WITH OUT having to write them down. Medications are easily changed with MAX, computers and writing are not needed.

MAX, is easily taken to the hospital, used in an emergency, used at the doctor’s office or take on vacation.

Remember to: TAKE MAX ALONG