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Self-help
Tips for the Elderly |
Drug
safety
Drugs
can treat diseases and relieve symptoms. But they can also have side effects.
Improper use of drugs can do more harm than good, and even lead to serious
consequences. Therefore, everybody should know more about drug safety,
and follow the advice of their doctor or pharmacist while using drugs.
As the elderly are more prone to side effects like stomach bleeding, they
should be extra cautious, and avoid taking too many drugs unnecessarily.
General principles on drug usage
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Know the proper route and method of drug use. Common routes include
oral, sublingual, inhalation, rectal and external application.
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Read the drug label carefully. Note the proper dosage to be taken,
timing, desired effects and side effects of the drug; and take necessary
precautions. (e.g. If the drug can cause drowsiness, do not drive
or operate machines after taking the drug.)
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Do not take more than one drug at the same time, unless you have clarified
with your doctor or pharmacist that it will not result in drug interactions.
This precaution applies to herbal medicine as well.
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If you suspect development of drug allergy after taking medications,
such as symptoms of rash, puffiness of face or lips, or shortness
of breath; you should stop the drug immediately and seek medical advice.
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Do not use drugs after the expiry date or if the appearance has changed.
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Drugs should be stored in a cool dry place, but not the refrigerator
unless specified. Drugs that need refrigerating, such as insulin,
should be stored in the lower shelf but not the freezer; otherwise
the drug effect may be affected. Drugs should be kept out of reach
of children.
Use of prescribed drugs
"Prescribed
drugs" are medications prescribed by the doctor after consultation. The
following points should be noted while you use prescribed drugs:
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Follow
the doctor's instructions while using prescribed drugs. Changing the
dosage or frequency without supervision is dangerous, since this can
lead to overdose or under-treatment.
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Attend
regular follow up. If you experience any undesirable drug effect,
discuss with your doctor to see if you need to modify the treatment.
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Do not
share your prescribed drugs with others. Even if the symptoms are
similar, the underlying diseases may be different. Wrong use of drugs
may cause delay in treatment and undesirable side effects.
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Consult
your doctor, pharmacist, or dispenser for information on adverse effect
of the drugs. In general, these include nausea, constipation and dizziness.
There are great individual variations in development of these side
effects, and usually most of these effects will disappear after taking
the drug for some time.
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Always
remember to tell your doctor what other drugs you are taking (or show
him the drug label), so that the doctor can avoid possible drug interactions.
Use of over-the-counter drugs
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"Over-the-counter
drugs" (or OTC drugs) are drugs that can be sold without doctor's
prescription.
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OTC
drugs are mainly used in the treatment of minor symptoms, such as
running nose, mild fever or pain.
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Seek
medical advice if OTC drugs fail to relieve your symptoms. In fact,
the best practice is to consult the doctor when you feel unwell, instead
of depending on OTC drugs.
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If you
have chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus or hypertension,
you need regular medical assessment. Do not simply rely on repeat
prescriptions, so as to avoid delay in treatment.
Related topics
Department
of Health Pharmaceutical Service webpage
(General Knowledge on Medicines)
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