Ohio State University Extension

Senior Series

For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Aging web site at: http://www.state.oh.us/age/
and Ohio State University Extension's "Aging in Ohio" web site at: http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~seniors/

Medication Misuse Among Older Adults

SS-128-97-R02

Adapted by: Paula M. Taliaferro, MGS, The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging.
Revised by: Christine A. Price, Ph.D., Extension State Specialist, Gerontology with assistance from Drs. Sereana Dresbach and Bella Mehta (July 2001).

Although aging affects how medications are processed in our bodies, a major factor affecting how well a medication works is whether or not we take the medication as prescribed.

The consequences of mismanaging medications can be dangerous, and sometimes lethal. Despite the danger, however, many older adults do not take their medications correctly. There are a number of reasons why misuse occurs:

Not understanding dosage instructions
Not hearing dosage instructions correctly
Not getting a prescription refilled
Unpleasant taste of medication
Having a confusing dosage schedule
Not remembering to take medication
Fear of becoming drug dependent
Not being able to afford medication
Limited ability to get to a pharmacy due to physical limitations or lack of transportation
Impaired vision leading to difficulties with reading labels and distinguishing medications
Not being able to open "childproof" medication containers

On the next page are some suggested solutions for avoiding medication misuse. If you have questions about a medication, experience problems, or simply do not want to take a medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Reference

Senior Series Volume 2, The Center on Rural Elderly, University of Missouri System.

Problem Possible Solutions

Impaired vision

Ask pharmacist to use large print on label.
Use a magnifying glass to check labels before taking medication.

Impaired hearing

Let others know if you did not hear the instructions.
Ask doctor/pharmacist to write instructions.
Ask someone to go with you to the doctor.

Complex dosage schedule

Write down your schedule clearly and use colors to differentiate times of day. Use daily/weekly medication dispensers. Coordinate the time to take medication with specific activities (i.e., meal time, time of favorite television program, when mail arrives, etc.).

Forgetfulness

Use memory aids and daily or weekly medication dispensers. Place notes to yourself in places you will see them.

Limited mobility

Use a pharmacy that will deliver prescriptions (cost may be higher).

Limited use of hands

Ask pharmacist for easy-to-open medication caps.

Multiple medications

Have doctor evaluate medication regimen regularly.
Use a pharmacy that keeps a patient profile for customers.

Multiple doctors

Make sure each doctor knows all medications you are taking.
Purchase prescriptions at only one pharmacy.

Cost of medications

Take advantage of discount programs.
Call local pharmacies and compare prices.
Ask doctor or pharmacist whether a generic drug will be as effective and less costly.
Ask doctor to prescribe generic medications if possible. Ask doctor or pharmacist if you qualify for a patient assistance program through a drug company.

Click here for PDF version of this Fact Sheet.

All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.

Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.

TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868

Problem	Possible Solutions
Impaired vision	Ask pharmacist to use large print on label. Use a magnifying glass to check labels before taking medication.
Impaired hearing	Let others know if you did not hear the instructions. Ask doctor/pharmacist to write instructions. Ask someone to go with you to the doctor.
Complex dosage schedule	Write down your schedule clearly and use colors to differentiate times of day. Use daily/weekly medication dispensers. Coordinate the time to take medication with specific activities (i.e., meal time, time of favorite television program, when mail arrives, etc.).
Forgetfulness	Use memory aids and daily or weekly medication dispensers. Place notes to yourself in places you will see them.
Limited mobility	Use a pharmacy that will deliver prescriptions (cost may be higher).
Limited use of hands	Ask pharmacist for easy-to-open medication caps.
Multiple medications	Have doctor evaluate medication regimen regularly. Use a pharmacy that keeps a patient profile for customers.
Multiple doctors	Make sure each doctor knows all medications you are taking. Purchase prescriptions at only one pharmacy.
Cost of medications	Take advantage of discount programs. Call local pharmacies and compare prices. Ask doctor or pharmacist whether a generic drug will be as effective and less costly. Ask doctor to prescribe generic medications if possible. Ask doctor or pharmacist if you qualify for a patient assistance program through a drug company.