Stay Safe with Medications


Asian senior man taking medicine at home

Stay safe with your medications: Two important reminders

As we get older, medications often become a regular part of daily life. But prescriptions, vitamins, and supplements can add up quickly—making it easy to lose track or hold on to medicines we no longer need. This October, two national observances serve as helpful reminders to keep medications safe and up to date.

October 21: National Check Your Meds Day

This day is an annual event that began in 2017. It was founded by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and Consumer Reports to encourage everyone—especially older adults—to review medications with a pharmacist or healthcare provider. A simple medication review can:
  • Spot possible drug interactions
  • Ensure you’re taking the correct doses at the right times of day
  • Identify prescriptions that may no longer be necessary
  • Give you peace of mind about your treatment plan
  • Help avoid adverse effects or hospitalizations

Tip: Contact your local pharmacy to see if they are participating in the event and to schedule a consultation. Bring all your prescription bottles, vitamins, and supplements in a bag to your pharmacy for a quick review.

Watch video: Create and Keep a Medication List for Your Health

October 26: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Hosted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), this semi-annual event makes it easy to safely dispose of unused or expired prescriptions. Medications can be dropped off anonymously at collection sites across the country from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dropping off old prescription medications helps:

  • Prevent accidental misuse or confusion
  • Reduce the risk of medications getting into the wrong hands
  • Protect the environment (flushing or tossing meds isn’t safe)

Tip: Visit the DEA’s Take Back Day website to find a nearby collection site.

Watch video: How to Safely Dispose of Unused or Expired Medicine

Why are these prescription management events important?

Managing prescriptions is a key part of staying healthy and independent. These two October events are great reminders to:

  • Talk with your healthcare team about your prescription medications
  • Keep only the prescriptions you need
  • Safely clear out what you don’t
Taking these small steps can make a big difference in protecting your health—and your peace of mind. You may even save some money by eliminating unnecessary medications.

You can also save money if you are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid by enrolling in Sentara Medicare Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs). These plans include prescription drug coverage and personalized care coordination to help manage medications.
 

To learn more, call a Licensed Plan Advisor at 1-877-550-3285 (TTY: 711) or visit sentaramedicare.com/DSNP

October 1-March 31 | 7 days a week | 8 a.m.-8 p.m. or
April 1-September 30 | Monday-Friday | 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Worth a look

Prescription home delivery
Care coordination
Family caregiver resources

Sources: ncpa.org, fda.gov, dea.gov/takebackday
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