Provided: Maria Luisa C Alonso
Date: 02 Jan 2020
The polymedicated elderly are the most affected by the new system of commercialization of medicines. Manufacturers and laboratories make the packaging and shape of the pills that patients are used to, varying from one week to the next. Pharmacists experience similar incidents daily. The patient refuses to receive their medicines in color and format they do not identify. In the pharmacy, they try to convince the patient, that there is no other solution, than to take the medicine prescribed, regardless of its format.
The preparation can be done by the patient himself or by a family member. In a few minutes and once a week the pills are organized (sometimes eight or more each day in several takes).
This way, regardless of the color or shape of the container and the color and shape of the tablet, the correct intake is guaranteed. And forgetting is easily detected.
The Community of Madrid provides polymedicated elderly patients through health centers and some pharmacies with a free pillbox to avoid the feared errors and their consequences.
