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You and your Medicine

You and your Medicine. Janet Landau MS., Pharm.D.,RPh. Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Long Island University Interdisciplinary Community-Based Health Education Project Funded by: HRSA Grant# 1 D37 HP 00838-01. Aging in America.

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You and your Medicine

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  1. You and your Medicine Janet Landau MS., Pharm.D.,RPh. Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Long Island University Interdisciplinary Community-Based Health Education Project Funded by: HRSA Grant# 1 D37 HP 00838-01

  2. Aging in America • 34.9 million individuals 65 years and older • 12.4% of US population 85-89 80-84 90-94 95-99 =>100 75-79 65 to 69 70-74 Source: US Census Bureau, 2000

  3. Aging and medicines • Aging may mean…. • More aches and pains and illness • More frequent visits to doctors • Taking more medicine • Buying more from the pharmacy • More self-care

  4. The Senior Market Other elderly 10.8 million residents Nursing homes 1.8 million residents Assisted living 1.8 million residents 34.9 million individuals 65 years and older Home care 3.5 million beneficiaries Community-based LTC 8.5 million individuals NORCs 8.5 million residents

  5. Rx Use and Seniors • Rx use increases with age • 65-69 year olds - 13.6 Rxs/year • 80-84 year olds - 18.2 Rxs/year • Seniors in poor health use 6X the Rxs as excellent health Source: AARP Issue Brief, 1991

  6. Rx Use and Seniors • Elderly account for 42% of total annual Rx $pending in the US • $43 billion of $102 billion US Population Elderly Rx $$ Seniors Non-elderly Rx $$ Source: Families USA/Prime Institute July 2000

  7. Aging • Age brings body changes • The body handles drugs differently • People age differently • Everyone is an individual • Age 65 is not the same as 85

  8. Drug use and effects • Absorption may vary • The effects may last longer • Increased sensitivity to drugs • Risk of side effects increases • Dosage needs to be individualized • Some drugs are not recommended in older individuals

  9. The more we know, the better it is…. • Buying over-the-counter could be dangerous • There are so many medicines today • how do you choose which one? • Family remedies and herbals • -are they always safe?

  10. Prescription Dilemmas • Should I take this-will it hurt me ? • Why did the doctor give this to me ? • I don’t think this is helping me • I feel worse since I started taking this • This is too expensive for me to buy • I can’t remember the directions… and I can’t even read the label!

  11. Sources of Information • My ‘friend’, ‘sister’ ‘daughter’ says….. • I heard it on the radio • I saw it on the TV • I read it in the magazine • Remember - ask the experts

  12. Why you need to know about your medicines • You know what to expect • Less worry and confusion • To avoid side effects • Better quality of life

  13. Communication or “How to become an expert” • Be a partner with your doctor..don’t be afraid to ask • Get to know the pharmacist • Be familiar with the pharmacy- keep to the same one • Write down your questions

  14. What you must know • Why you are taking the medicine • The name and strength • How long you are to take it • How to take it correctly and a few more ‘dos and don’ts’…………

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