Management of Medications and Safety Tips

Doses. Schedules. Discipline. Safety.

“Ibu, ada makan ubat tak hari ni?” Does a question like this sound familiar where you are the primary caregiver to an elderly parent? How many times have you been met with: “Oh, mak lupalah, nak.” Or what if the person under your care were a teen or kid whose consumption requires supervision? Be it short term or long, there are some basic steps that can help simplify the management of medications.

Managing medications can feel like hard work especially if a patient is on more than one prescription.

MANAGING ILLNESS WITH MEDICINE

Catching a cold and being prescribed a course of antibiotics and other meds by a family doctor to treat  standard symptoms like a fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, and sneezing is not the same thing as regularly medicating to keep a chronic illness in check. Thousands of Malaysians are on more than one type of prescription for conditions including diabetes, stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, and cancer. Research puts that number at nearly 30,000, a statistic pointing mostly to senior citizens. 

Geriatric Patients and Polypharmacy

Within a multi-ethnic Malaysian context, studies have found that among the elderly, 51% of geriatric  patients with non-communicable diseases in a primary care setting consume at least five or more long term medications. Affecting those aged 55 and up, this phenomenon is called “polypharmacy.” Retirees are most at risk, and as such, are a high priority when it comes to targeted health protocols. Perhaps, this person is you, or the individual is a loved one like an elderly parent or an aging relative. 

Personalising Schedules and Dosages

Whatever the case and regardless of age, managing medications can feel like hard work—especially if  a particular individual is bound by a daily intake of several different types of prescription drugs for the  long term. “The key is to simplify the process by creating a medication management system that works for you. Focus on scheduling and dosages, and build your routine around these two crucial aspects so you don’t forget or unintentionally miss a day,” a Putra Medical Centre pharmacist advises.

Start by introducing capable patients to a pill organiser with clear compartments that mark each day.

Step 1: Introduce a Medicine Chart

Prepare a chart which lists every type of prescription by name, purpose, frequency, and dosage. Intake instructions are vital, so adherence matters. Keep the chart in an obvious place like on your refrigerator door or in the medicine cabinet. You could also write everything down in a journal and update changes as they arise. Set a timer on your phone or watch. These repeat alarms are great as reminders. Do the same for ongoing refills so that your prescriptions are renewed whenever needed. 

Step 2: Utilise A Basic Pill Organiser

Empowerment is a big part of recovery as it encourages personal initiative and affords patients a sense of ownership. Doctors include patients in the self-care process. This instills accountability and purpose. In fact, if you are involved in the caregiving of a retiree-father or mother, you might quickly learn that self-sufficient senior citizens appreciate when made to feel capable. To add ease, introduce a targeted pill organiser so medications are placed in compartments marked by the days of the week. 

Step 3: Make Safety A Core Priority

Environments have a big impact on safety and the effectiveness of your medications, so ensure that your prescribed medications are stored in a cool, dry place. Avoid storage in a bathroom even if in a medicine  cabinet. Keep prescriptions out of the reach of children to eliminate any possible harm to them. Do not consume expired meds. If advised by your doctor, immediately dispose of discontinued drugs. Furthermore, only take your own prescriptions. Also, never mix alcohol with your medications. 

PMC: TALK TO A PHARMACIST HERE

If your diagnosis is fresh and you are new to prescribed medications, know that you aren’t alone. There’s no need to feel anxious or fearful if you have questions or concerns about your medications. At any time, feel free to call us for additional information and support. Visit our hospital to meet with a pharmacist or physician for further guidance and encouragement. If you are experiencing certain side effects that are affecting your daily routine, make an appointment with our dedicated team now.

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