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VISN 2: Veterans' Wellness, Summer 2009
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Summer 2009
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Rx for medication
safety
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Ask the Expert
VA Pharmacy |
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This issue's expert:
George H. Knight, R.Ph.
Network Pharmacy Manager
VISN 2 Pharmacy Benefits Management
Q: Why did someone from pharmacy come to my hospital room to discuss my medications when I checked in the hospital and again before I left?
A: “Medication reconciliation,” as we call it, ensures that when you are admitted, we know what you have been taking (and why) so there is continuity in your medications. Similarly, when you are discharged, your medications may have changed. We want to send you home with everything you need and to be sure that you understand WHY you are taking each medication. At some sites, this inpatient review is done by someone other than a pharmacist.
Q: Will weight training make me feel better?
A: Absolutely. Besides liking the way you look—which is a great self-esteem booster—studies show that weight training increases your energy and mobility so you’ll be able to make the most of your day. It improves your mood, too. One study reported that weight training reduced clinical depression more than standard counseling did.
Q: Is it safe for my medication records to be stored electronically?
A: It is safe and it can save your life! For example, if a provider prescribes a medication for you that may interact with other drugs you take or that you may be allergic to, the computer alerts the doctor immediately. The electronic records system also allows your health care providers to see what other VA providers prescribe for you; and if you travel, your electronic medication record is available to providers at any VA facility across the country.
Q: What should I do if I forget to take a dose
of medication?
A: For most drugs, you should take it as soon as you realize you missed it—unless it’s close to when you should be taking it again. If you’re not sure what to do, call your pharmacist or health care providers.
Q: Is it okay for me to buy my prescription drugs somewhere other than a VA pharmacy?
A: Our electronic record system automatically keeps track of only the medication dispensed at VA pharmacies. While it is perfectly fine to fill prescriptions or buy over-the-counter drugs elsewhere, it’s extremely important that you tell us. With many drugs—especially aspirin—there are many potential side effects, so it’s important that we manually add the information to your electronic VA medication record, regardless of where you buy the product.
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After years of flushing unused medications
down our toilets, drugs have begun accumulating in our water supplies. When the New York State Department
of Health and the U.S. Geological Survey tested the source of New York City’s water— upstate—they found trace concentrations of heart medicine, infection fighters, estrogen, anti-convulsants, a mood stabilizer, and a tranquilizer.
While the levels are low, effects on humans and wildlife over time could be worrisome. For example, male fish have produced eggs when exposed to hormones, and other drugs reduce fertility or affect spawning in certain aquatic organisms.
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According to the Food and Drug Administration, you should follow
the disposal instructions on the drug label or information sheet that comes with the medication. If instructed to discard the medication
rather than flush it, mix the medication with an undesirable substance such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter, put the mixture in a sealable bag, and place it in your trash receptacle.
Otherwise, call your city or county government’s trash and recycling
service to see if your community has a “take-back” program, which allows the public to bring unused drugs to a central location for proper disposal.
8 Great Medication Tips
1. DON’T store medicine in a vehicle or near a refrigerator or stove, as these locations may be too warm. Most medications should be stored at room temperature—not to exceed 77 degrees. (NOTE: Some drugs must be refrigerated. Follow the directions!)
2. DON’T quit taking a medication or change your dosage unless told to do so by your health care provider.
3. DON’T take drugs prescribed for someone else, and never give someone your medication.
4. DON’T dispense or take medications in the dark.
5. DO keep medications sealed in their original packaging, which keeps them dry and properly labeled. Tell your pharmacist if you need lids that are not childproof.
6. DO store drugs where young children (or pets) can’t access them.
7. DO check prescriptions before leaving the pharmacy to make sure you received the proper medication, dosage, and amount. Also, be sure you clearly understand why you are taking a drug, how to take it, and any potential side effects.
8. DO maintain a current list of your medications—even vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. Include the dosage, time of day taken, and a description of the pill (size, color, markings). Bring this list to all VA appointments.
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Summer 2009
Priority Group 8 |
Meditation |
Prosthetics
Nutrition |
Expectations |
Female Veterans’Outreach
H1N1|
Consequences |
Yoga |
Rx Safety
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