MEDICATION EDUCATION 101

By DIEN VU11/12/2015

What is a medication? • There are 2 types of Medications– Prescription (Rx-only)– Over-The-Counter (OTC)

Medication names

• There are 2 names for medications – Brand name– Generic name

Brand GenericPrilosec omeprazoleTylenol acetaminophenAdvil ibuprofenAleve naproxen

Tips for safe medication use

• Use as directed• Do not use expired medicines• Do not use medication that looks abnormal• Try not to miss a dose • Take medication on time• Wash your hands after using a cream

Tips for safe medication use

• Try to read the drug information leaflet given to you at the pharmacy

• Inspect your medicine before leaving the pharmacy

• Buying medication online• Dispose of properly to avoid accidental or

misuse

Side-effect?

• What is a side-effect?• Is the side-effect minor or tolerable? • Is the side-effect too much to bear?

• Some common side effects: dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, skin irritation, etc

Questions you should ask about your new medications

1. What is this prescription for?2. How will this medicine help me?3. What are the side effects?4. How do I take this medicine?5. How expensive is the medication? Will my insurance

plan cover it?6. Are there non-drug options I can try?7. Why is this new drug better than the one I was taking?8. How long do I take it?9. Do I take it with or without food?

How do you store your medication?

1. Bathroom cabinet? 2. Above the kitchen stove?3. On the window shelf under direct sunlight?4. In the car’s glove compartment?5. Next to your bed?6. In high drawer or cabinet in bedroom?7. In the fridge?8. In the freezer? 9. Different medicines in the same bottle?

Do you know that…

• You should NOT put a refrigerated medication in a freezer because you think it might extend the life of medication.

• Storing in inappropriate conditions might break down the drug and make it less effective.

Auxiliary label

Auxiliary label

What if you travel with a refrigerated medication?• Example: Insulin

• Have a small container with ice pack/freezer pack and medication inside

• At the airport – You may bring medically necessary liquids, medications and

creams in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on bag.

– Other supplies associated with medically necessary liquids such as IV bags, pumps and syringes must undergo X-ray screening.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures

Safe disposal of medications

– Dispose unused or expired medications– It could be harmful if medication is taken by someone

else. (e.g. grandchildren, pets)– Do not give away to friends– Environmental pollution – Peel off label to protect your identity and privacy

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm101653.htm

How to dispose medications?

– Mix with coffee grounds or cat litters• Place in a sealed bag to prevent leaking• Toss in trash

– Special instruction: flush in toilet • Ex: Fentanyl patch

– Bring to pharmacy on “Take-back” program offer– Bring to Hudson police station• Medication drop-off box

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm101653.htm

HPD drug drop-off box

- Located in the lobby of the police department

How to dispose sharps?

• Sharps example: needle, broken ampule glass• Household sharps maybe disposed in solid

waste if:– Puncture-resistant containers – Containers are sealed and labeled “not recycling”

• Sharp containers – Can be bought at retailers

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

• How to pick out the correct OTC medications– Read the box– Use the drug fact label– Read the ACTIVE ingredients and what the

medication is used for.

How to pick OTC medications

• Use the drug fact label• Consult a pharmacist– They can recommend the best options as well as

alternatives or lifestyle changes and non-drug options.

• Use generic versions• Stick to the one that worked for you in the past

How to manage multiple medications?

• Pill box

How to manage multiple medications?

• Bubble wrap / Blister pack

• Alarm– Phone, Watch, Table alarm

• Time sheet (check off)• Relate to an event like “I always take my vitamin

D before I go to church every Sunday”

How to manage multiple medications?

Personal medication records

• The records help you keep track of your multiple medications

• Keep on you• Keep it updated

• Make your own record– Some sample online forms

Medication Therapy Management• Do you have difficulty in keeping track of your medications?

• Your pharmacist can help review all your medications to ensure:– Full review of all your medications – Best outcomes for your health– Reduce side-effects

• Eligibility – If you have a Medicare Part D plan, you are eligible for an MTM

session with your pharmacist

https://www.cms.gov/medicare/prescription-drug-coverage/prescriptiondrugcovcontra/mtm.html

Know your pharmacist Know your medication

• Only about 35% of consumers know their pharmacist’s name.

• Pharmacist is one of the easiest members of your healthcare team to reach.

• Introduce yourself to your pharmacist and learn his or her first name.– No appointment or co-pay needed

http://www.consumermedsafety.org/medication-safety-articles/item/375-know-your-pharmacistknow-your-medicine

QUESTION ?

THANK YOU!