A Guide to the Safe Use of Pain Medication

Click on the title of this post if you would like to see the new posting by the FDA about the safe use of pain medication.

I thought this was important to post, since we all know most of our Elders are dealing with pain issues on a daily basis (and, probably at least half of us).

Of note for Elders in particular:

1. Be careful of acetaminophen (tylenol) if your Elder is taking a prescription pain medication. Many prescription pain meds have some acetaminophen in them, so by giving more acetaminophen you are risking an overdose. Acetaminophen overdose can be deadly, impairing liver function.
2. If your Elder is taking acetaminophen as needed for pain relief, and s/he is doing this without your assistance, please make sure s/he is not taking more than the label says to take. It is very common for Elders to think they can take as much tylenol as they want, thinking it won't hurt them. Even at normal dosages, acetaminophen can cause liver damage in Elders who already have liver problems, or are taking medicines that put undue strain on the liver. If you are in doubt about any of this, consult the Elder's doctor about how much acetaminophen is OK for your Elder to be taking on a daily basis.
   
3. With NSAID's (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, be mindful of the risk of stomach bleeding especially in Elders, and especially in those already taking blood thinners. NSAID's can also cause impairment of kidney function.
4. Use opiods (prescription narcotic pain medicines, such as codeine, morphine, oxycodone or hydrocodone) with caution in the Elderly. Opiods can cause drowsiness, and in Elders can cause confusion, unsteadiness and a higher risk of injuries from falls. Also, while taking opiods be careful not to mix them with alcohol, antihistamines, or other prescription medicines that cause sedation or drowsiness such as medicines for anxiety or for sleep.
5. Be aware of the active ingredients in all medicines your Elder is taking to avoid harmful interactions or accidental overdose.

That's it in a nutshell, along with some of my own experience. As always, this information is to ensure that you and your Elder have many Pleasant Days.

FDA's Health News for Older Adults

The FDA has posted the latest edition of "Maturity Health Matters". (just click to view the webpage).

This is the FDA Health News for Older Adults, their Families and Caregivers. There is information about food safety in regards to importing foods, and irradiating foods like iceburg lettuce and spinach for greater safety, with a FAQ section.

I have probably said before, you can't be too careful with your Elders and food to prevent foodborne illnesses. Elders (along with small children) tend to be extremely susceptible to contaminated foods. Infections like salmonella can hospitalize and Elder and cause an untimely death.

Speaking of which....you still need to be careful of peanut products.

Wishing you all Pleasant Days!

Peanut Butter Recall Widget

I found this on the FDA recall website for the current salmonella outbreak. Since many of our Elders love the things that peanut paste is a big part of----check out your products with this widget.

Safety Concerns for your Elder

While perusing the web as usual, I found something quite useful to many of you who are caring for Elders with safety problems. This device can be found at 1-800wheelchair.com
and looks fairly priced. The site has alot of things available for activities of daily living problems and mobility problems as well.

We have used similar devices while caring for our Elders, and they are a "God-send". You will be doing yourself and your Elder big favors by preventing accidents, falls from bed or from a chair with the resulting possibility of horrid injuries that your Elder may not be able to recuperate from.

If your Elder tried to get up without assistance with this device in place, an alarm will sound to let you know. For Elders with poor balance or coordination, combined with poor memory or confusion, that try to get up without your assistance and risk falls and fractures, this is ideal. You will also realize some peace of mind, knowing you can leave your Elder unattended for awhile.

Just trying to help you create some "Pleasant Days" for yourself and your Elder.