Page 33 - Home Health Marketing

MEDICATION SAFETY

 Do not take medications that are prescribed for someone else.
 Create a complete list of current medications (including prescription and over-
the-counter medications, herbal remedies and vitamins), and keep this list
with you at all times in the event of emergency situations. Review the list for
discrepancies and make changes immediately as they occur. Show the list to
your doctor or pharmacist to keep from combining drugs inappropriately.
 Know the name of each of your medicines, why you take it, how to take it,
potential side effects and what foods or other things to avoid while taking it.
 Report medication allergies or side effects to your health care provider.
 Take medications exactly as instructed. If the medication looks different
than you expected, ask your health care provider or pharmacist about it.
 Drug names can look alike or sound alike. To avoid errors, check with your
health care provider if you have questions.
 Do not use alcohol when you are taking medicine.
 Do not stop or change medicines without your doctor's approval, even if you
are feeling better. If you miss a dose, do not double the next dose later.
 Use a chart or container system (washed egg carton or med-planner) to
help you remember what kind, how much and when to take medicine.
 Take your medicine with a light on so you can read the label.
 Read medicine labels (including warnings) carefully and keep medicines in
their original containers.
 Store medications safely in a cool, dry place according to instructions on
the label of the medication.
 Keep medicines away from children and confused adults.
 Federal disposal guidelines for medications: Follow any specific
disposal instructions on the prescription drug labeling or patient
information insert. Do not flush medications down the sink or toilet unless
this information specifically instructs you to do so. If your community has
a pharmaceutical take-back program, take your unused drugs to them for
proper disposal. If no such program is available, remove drugs from their
original containers and mark out any identifying information on the original
containers. Mix the drugs with an undesirable substance like coffee grounds
or kitty litter. Place the mixture in a sealable bag, empty can or other
container and place it and the empty, original containers in the trash.

HAZARDOUS ITEMS AND POISONS

 Know how to contact your poison control team.
 Carefully store hazardous items in their original containers.
 Do not mix products that contain chlorine or bleach with other chemicals.
 Purchase insecticides for immediate need only and store excess properly.
 Keep hazardous items, cleaners and chemicals out of reach of children and
confused or impaired adults.
 Dispose of hazardous items and poisons only as directed.

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