Transcript PowerPoint - Arizona Falls Prevention Coalition

Arizona Falls Prevention Coalition
Speaker Talking Points
Health and Medication Management Team
Developed 8.27.09
1. Incidence & Statistics
- Signs of Risk of Falls
- Medication impact on Falls
2. Specific Medications (include OTCs)
- Associated Risk Factors (Keep it Broad)
- Info on specific medications
- Danger of Poly-pharmacy.
3. Importance of Medication Review
- Routine part of medical care
- Know what and why medications are prescribed for
4. Resources available
- Hand out
- Best Practices
*Note: May be good to include an interactive activity
2. Specific Medications
(include OTCs)
 Associated Risk Factors (Keep it Broad)
 Info on specific medications
 Danger of Poly-pharmacy
High Risk Medications for Falls
 Cardiac Medications/Diuretics can cause:
– Orthostatic hypotension
– Dose-related hypotension
– Water and electrolyte imbalance
– Weakness
– Arrythmias
High Risk Medications for Falls
Diabetic Medications can cause:
– Hypoglycemia leading to dizziness
– Syncope (fainting)
High Risk Medications for Falls
Eye Medications can cause:
– Changes in vision
High Risk Medications for Falls
 CNS (Central Nervous System) Medications
can cause:
– Drowsiness
– Sedation
Medication Risks
 Polypharmacy is taking three or more
medications.
– Can cause adverse drug effects, drug
interactions, electrolyte imbalance, and
decreased drug clearance rates with aging.
REMINDER
 Be alert to high-risk adverse effects like
hypotension, dizziness, sedation,
hypoglycemia, visual disturbances due to
polypharmacy.
 Be instructed on the importance of calling
for assistance before getting out of bed by
yourself while experiencing these side
effects.
3. Importance of Medication
Review
Routine part of medical care
Know what and why medications are prescribed
for
10 Vital Questions to ask about
every prescription
1. What is the name of the medicine and what is it for? Also, is this the brand name or
the generic name?
2. Is a generic version available?
3. How, when and for how long do I take it?
4. What foods, drinks, other medicines, dietary supplements or activities should I avoid
while taking this medication?
5. When should this medicine start working? How will I know if it is? Are tests required
while taking it (e.g., to check liver or kidney function?)
6. Are there any side effects? What are they and what do I do if they occur?
7. Will this medicine work safely with other medicines (prescription and non-prescription)
Will it work safely with dietary/herbal supplements?
8. Will I need to refill? If so, when?
9. How should I store the medicine?
10. Is there written information about the medicine? Is it available in large print or other
languages?
To learn more about safe medicine use and the National Council on
Patient Information and Education (NCPIE), go to www.talaboutrx.org