Nearly half of adults over 65 take several prescription drugs. That raises real risks: bad interactions, wrong doses, and extra trips to the ER. You don’t need to be scared — small habits cut risk a lot. This page pulls helpful, practical tips you can use today.
Start with a medication list. Write each drug name, dose, why you take it, and who prescribed it. Share that list with every doctor and pharmacist you see. Use one pharmacy whenever possible — that helps the pharmacist spot dangerous overlaps, like two similar painkillers or duplicate blood pressure drugs.
Ask for a yearly medication review. Many clinics and pharmacies offer reviews where a clinician will check for dangerous combos, adjust doses for kidney or liver changes, and suggest safer alternatives. If you’re dizzy, sleepy, or suddenly thirsty, bring it up — those are often drug side effects.
Buying online can save money, but it’s a minefield. Pick pharmacies that show a real license, a phone number with a local area code, and a pharmacist who answers questions. Avoid sites that sell controlled meds without a prescription. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is — counterfeit pills are common and dangerous.
Before ordering, check reviews, look for secure checkout (https://), and confirm shipping times. For critical meds, choose tracked delivery and avoid bulk orders of new prescriptions until you’ve tried the medication first.
Keep pills in original bottles with labels. For daily use, a simple pill organizer is fine — but keep bottles for reference in case a doctor asks about doses or manufacturer.
Watch out for kidney and liver changes. Many drug doses need adjustment with age. If you have reduced kidney function, drugs like some blood pressure meds, certain antibiotics, or diabetes medicines may need dose changes. Ask your doctor for lab tests and dosing advice.
Bone health and fall prevention matter more than you think. Low bone density raises fracture risk. Keep active with weight-bearing moves like walking or chair exercises, get vitamin D (ask your doc for a level test), and eat calcium-rich foods. Fix tripping hazards at home: loose rugs, poor lighting, and clutter cause falls more than weak bones do.
Bladder and breathing issues are common but manageable. If you pee more, check meds first — diuretics and some blood pressure drugs cause that. For breathing problems, alternatives to common inhalers or nebulizers exist; talk to a respiratory nurse or pharmacist about options that fit your routine.
Finally, stay engaged. Bring a family member or friend to appointments if possible, ask questions, and keep copies of lab results and prescriptions. Small steps — one list, one review, one trusted pharmacy — protect your health and help you stay independent longer.
