Your Medicines and You
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-09-25 11:00:00-04:00
Ninety percent of adults 50 and older take medication on a daily basis. And did you know nearly half of adults age 50+ take five or more drugs, some upwards of 10-15? Taking multiple drugs puts you at increased risk for dangerous interactions and health problems.
In today's healthcare world it is more and more important to be a smart consumer. This means you should make an extra effort to learn about your health and your options when it comes to taking medicine.
AARP and Walgreens are working together to bring you information you can trust—reliable resources that can help you take charge of your health, medicines and life. We encourage you to explore some of these resources:
Publications
Order or print these publications online (Adobe Acrobat required) or pick up copies at your neighborhood Walgreens pharmacy.
Health Publications Order form Copies of the Know Your Rx Options series of brochures can be ordered by clicking on this link.
Medicines Made Easy (Stock No. D18586)
Medicamentos En Lenguaje Facil (Stock No. D18593)
This comprehensive, easy-to-understand, free booklet contains loads of important information on how to safely and effectively manage, use, and store your medicines. Read the "must-ask" list of questions to your health care provider and pharmacist to get information on drug interactions, generics, and side effects, and discover drug options that may save you money. Order a copy.
Personal Medication Record (Stock No. D18589)
Registro de Medicación (Stock No. D18594)
The best way to track medications and help your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional is to keep a list of your medications or "personal medication record." This Personal Medication Record will help you record all your medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements that you take, the doses, and how they are taken. Order a copy.
Online Tutorials
Medicines and You
"Medicines and You" is AARP's online course that puts you in control of your health. It shows you your choices for using medications wisely and saving money. The course is easy to follow, and you can go at your own pace. It includes examples of conversation-starters at the doctor's office, lists of questions to ask, a personal medication record and more.
Researching Your Health
As a consumer, you want to take charge of your health - you want to know about your health conditions and the best treatments. The Internet offers quick access to medical information, but it can be overwhelming. AARP's seminar helps you explore four highly reputable and easy-to-use web sites to research your medical condition and the medications to treat it.
Online Guide to Prescription Drugs
Consumer Guide to Effective and Safe Prescription Drugs
Unbiased information about comparable brand name and generic drugs, including price comparisons. This guide demonstrates that the most expensive drugs are not necessarily the best and that consumers willing to consult with their doctor or pharmacist can often find safe and effective alternatives at a lower cost.
Articles
Over-the-Counter Drug Fact Labels
Find out how to interpret the drug labels.
Traveling with Your Medicines
Find tips for traveling safely with prescription medications.
Over-the-Counter Safety Tips
Learn why to you should take care in buying and taking over-the-counter medications.
Your Blood Thinning Medicine Can Save Your Life
A question-and-answer guide to blood thinning medication.
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