COTTAGE GROVE (WKOW) - About 20 percent of hospitalizations for older adults in Dane County are because of adverse drug events. Adults age 65 or older should make sure to check their prescription drugs with a pharmacist.
Choosing a pharmacy can sometimes be difficult. Associate professor Beth Martin, of the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, says prescription drugs should be reviewed yearly.
"Older adults use about 30 percent of prescribed medicines and about 40 percent of the over the counter medicines," Martin said. "And 90 percent of older adults take at least one prescription medicine."
Martin said it's important to find a pharmacist that discusses prescriptions. This could save you a trip to the hospital.
Martin recommends older adults engage with their pharmacists by writing out a list of questions to ask on a regular basis and take the time to introduce yourself to your provider.
She said bring a list of your medications to make sure they are being used correctly. These tips could help keep older adults out of the hospital because of adverse drug events.
