Medications and Falls 

• One in four older adults will fall each year.
• Certain types of medications (see list below) may increase your risk for falls. Adding new medications or changing doses of some medications can also affect your risk for falls.
• Making the correct medication changes may reduce your fall risk by 39-66%.
• Have your provider review all of your medications on a routine basis. Your provider may stop certain medications, switch to safer choices, or reduce the doses to decrease your risk for falls.
• Do not stop or make changes to your medications without talking with your provider first.
• Tell your provider if you have any symptoms such as blurry vision, feeling sleepy, fainting or passing out, lightheadedness, or loss of balance.
• If you are on blood pressure medications, be sure to take your time when getting up from bed to sitting or when getting up from sitting to standing.  Make sure you have something to hold on to when you get up.  Your blood pressure can drop with position changes which can make you more likely to fall.

List of Medications with Fall Risk:

• Medications used for your heart or for high blood pressure.
• Medications that affect your brain or cognition, such as:

 – Opioid pain medications

 – Medications to treat unstable mood

 – Anxiety lowering medications

 – Medications to treat psychosis

 – Seizure medications

 – Prescription and over the counter sleep aids

 – Muscle relaxing medications

 – Over the counter allergy and motion sickness medications

 – Medications to treat urinating a lot

• Medications for diabetes that can cause low blood sugar.

Keeping Track of Your Medications 

Medication List

It is important to keep an accurate list of your medications.  This list will help your provider decide if changes are needed to decrease your risk for falls.

• Keep an updated list of all your medications. This list should include all of the prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products that you take.  This list can be hand written or printed on paper.  There are also many smartphone apps that can track your medications.
• Bring an updated list with you to every healthcare provider’s appointment for review. This is especially important if you see multiple healthcare providers.
• In addition to the list, consider bringing all your medication bottles (“Brown Bag Medicine Review”) to your primary care doctor’s visit at least once a year.
• Keep a copy of this medication list on the door of your refrigerator. This will make it easy for emergency medical service responders, firefighters, or police to find in case of an emergency.
• It is important to fill all your prescription medications at the same pharmacy. That way, the pharmacy has a list of all your medications and the pharmacist can review for drug interactions and other concerns.

Taking Your Medications Safely 

• Know why you are taking each medication and their most common side effects.
• Take your medications exactly as directed.
• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions or if anything is unclear.
• Tell your healthcare provider about any side effects or concerning symptoms, especially when starting a new medication.
• Take your medications on time. Consider using a calendar, setting alarm(s) on your phone, or using a weekly pill organizer to help you remember.  There are also many smartphone apps that you can use as a medication reminder.
• Never take medications in the dark as you may make a mistake. Make sure the lighting is good in the area where you take your medications.
• Finally, get to know your pharmacist. He or she can be a great medication resource.

How to Store Your Medications 

• Medications should be stored in a cool, dry place and away from light. Consider storing medications in a dresser drawer, closet shelf, or a kitchen cabinet away from the stove, sink, and any hot appliances.
• Do not store medications in a bathroom cabinet as humidity and moisture may damage the medications.
• If you have children or pets who live with you or visit frequently, be sure to store medications high up and out of their reach. Consider locking the medications in a cabinet.
• Ask your pharmacist about any specific storage instructions.

How to Safely Dispose of Your Medications 

• Dispose of your medications when they are outdated or when they are no longer needed.
• Look for the expiration date, often listed as “EXP”, which is usually printed somewhere on the label for prescription medications. For over-the-counter medications, the expiration date is usually stamped on the outer carton or the bottom of the bottle.
• If there is no expiration date, the medication should be considered outdated after one year.
• Dispose your medications by dropping them off at a Drug Take Back Location near you.
• If you don’t have a take back location near you, most medications can be mixed with an undesirable substance (such as cat litter, used coffee grounds, or dirt) and placed into a sealable container or plastic bag. Then throw away the container or bag in your trash.  For empty medication bottles and packaging, remove all personal information from the labels and then dispose in either the trash or recycle bin.
• Some medications can be safely flushed down the toilet. These medications are ones that have misuse and/or abuse potential or can result in death if taken in the wrong way.  Please refer to the FDA website to make sure your medication is on the list before flushing.