Hidden Dangers in Painkillers

The FDA plans to require reduced dosages of acetaminophen in some of the nation's most prescribed painkillers because it causes patients to overdose when it is combined with other medications. Manufacturers of these drugs will have a three year time frame to reformulate their painkillers or no longer offer them. Under the new limits, the prescription painkillers will contain half the amount of acetaminophen now found in many of them.

Serious problems occur when people use over-the-counter painkillers like Tylenol, which contain large amount of acetaminophen, in addition to prescribed meds. The FDA will require explicit warning labels about the risks of overdoses which cause about 50,000 visits to the emergency room and 500 deaths a year. For the elderly, medication management is important. A home care agency helps remind patients about their prescribed meds, and can also monitor non-prescription usage. Read more at tiny.cc/painkillers.

 

Dear Katy - If my Dad remains bedridden for several weeks following his surgery, will Medicare cover the costs of a home care aide?  L.T., Boulder City, LV

Dear L.T. - Medicare will cover the cost of a home care aide if the patient is being seen by a Medicare-certified home health agency. If your Dad qualifies, the coverage usually includes 2-3 visits per week that last about an hour. Many families will pay privately for additional home care services because it has led to speedy recovery and provides respite for family caregivers.

Dear Katy - What typical post-hip surgery assistance might be needed when Dad returns home?  T.S., Redwood City, CA

Dear T.S. - Assuming he is in good health, he should be home within a few days. He will have difficulty moving his body and keeping his legs from crossing the middle of his body. These restrictions will not allow him to bend or twist his body. For most people, this does require assistance for at least part of the day. If he was independent and healthy prior to the surgery, he should be fine with someone helping him with simple tasks around the house or cooking meals. If he did have mobility issues prior to surgery, he would need help with activities of daily living. Live-in care would be necessary to prevent falls if he gets up often during the night.
 (Submit your questions to kdougherty@professionalhc.com. Follow her on twitter.)

4 Tips for Storing Medication

1.   The bathroom and kitchen are actually the worst places to
     store medication. The inadequate temperatures and rising     
     humidity in both areas can alter medications. Store them in
     an area where the temperature remains constant.
2.   If you have children or pets, be sure to store medications in
     a locked storage area, preferably a cabinet in a bedroom.
3.   For your own safety, keep prescribed medication in their
     original containers. That way they don't become mys-       
     tery pills or have inaccurate expiration dates.
4.   Do not keep expired medications. Throw them out imme-
     diately. As a precaution to the environment, take the
     drugs out of their original containers and throw them in
     the trash.

Vol. 3, No. 2

Medication Management Info

Center for Improving Medication Intake

Tips on Managing Medications

Talking Medication Reminder
This recorder helps patients take their medications as prescribed. The device provides up to 60 seconds of recorded instructions.
More Info