Medication Safety

Help for Grandparents

Bluegrass Prevention CenterElizabeth Anderson-HoaglandFall 2011

Medications = Drugs

• Change how the body works• Treats or prevents a disease or symptom

Over the Counter Medications

• Do NOT need to see a doctor• Sometimes have to get from pharmacy

counter, like cold medicine• Examples: – Aspirin, other pain relievers– Claritin, other allergy medications– Zantac, other antacids– Some sleep aids

Prescription Medications

• MUST see a doctor for a prescription• Examples:– Antibiotics– Pain medications– Heart and blood pressure medications– Some sleep aids

What’s the problem?

• Medications are strong

• Can have side effects• Can interact with

other medications or vitamins

What’s the problem?

• Young children getting in to medicine or thinking medicine is candy

EMERGENCY!

What’s the problem?

• Using medicines to get high

• Can be prescription or over-the-counter

What Youth Believe

• It’s OK to take someone else’s medication

• Prescription drugs are not addictive

• Prescription drugs are safer than illegal drugs

FALSE!

FALSE!

FALSE!

Let’s Take A Tour…

Medicine Cabinet

Trashcan

Bathroom

Cabinet

Counter

Fridge

Kitchen

Bedroom

Bedside Table

Living Room

Computer

What Can I Do?

Talk To Your Doctor and Pharmacist

Know Your Medications

Keep Track of Your Medications and Supplements

• Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use

• Watch out for food and drug interactions– Don’t take what medication when drinking

grapefruit juice?– What food or drink makes iron pills more

effective?– What supplement should not be taken with blood

thinners?

Protect Medications

Protect Medications

Protect Your Home

Open Houses

Garage Sales

Protect Yourself

How To Get Rid of Medications

•NO LABELS•PILLS GROUND UP•MIX WITH SOMETHING GROSS

Tips for Talking to Children

• Medicine is not candy. • Follow the directions on the label.• When in doubt, ask a parent, guardian, nurse,

doctor or pharmacist.• Medicine is strong and can make you sick if

you don’t take it correctly.• Talk to a trusted adult if medicine makes you

feel worse.

Tips for Talking to Teens

• Listen. • Be honest.• Be firm.• Be warm.• Share your feelings.• Set limits.

Talking about drugs reduces use by

half

Questions?

Presented by:BluegrassPreventionCenter

• Contact us:– Elizabeth Anderson Hoagland– 859-225-3296

– Thanks for being here. You are never alone!