October Is Talk About Prescriptions Month

Older Adults and Medication Use

As we age, our bodies change. Medicines may affect you differently as you get older because your body processes them differently. You may take more medicines now than when you were younger. Even medicine that you’ve taken before or have taken consistently may act differently in your body as you age.

Medicines now may require more monitoring or dosage adjustments. While medicines are an important and often necessary tool for living we as we age, there can be risks associated with using medicines, especially for older adults. Talk with your doctor and pharmacist about your current medications, and any new medications, to make sure your prescription and over-the-counter medication use is safe and effective.

-Source: National Council on Patient Information and Education