Many of us take multiple prescription medications. If multiple different physicians are prescribing you medication, you could be at risk of accidental poisoning. Here are a few ways you can avoid an accident with your medication.
Tips to Prevent Accidental Medication Poisoning
Keep a List of Medications
One of the first steps you can take to combat accidental medication poisoning is keeping a detailed list of all of your prescriptions. Your list should include:
- Dosage
- Frequency
- Medication name
- Name of the prescribing physician
Educate Yourself
It’s important to learn about the medications you are taking to understand what they can and cannot be mixed with. Most pharmacies will give you a pamphlet explaining the possible negative side effects and ingestion instructions. It’s a good idea to keep track of any important instructions, like taking it with food, on your medication list. When it comes to preventing accidental medication poisoning, knowledge is crucial.
Keep a Journal
If you do experience negative side effects while taking multiple medications and you are concerned about accidental poisoning, start a journal. Write down any symptoms you experience, the time of day you experienced them, and if you took them with or without food. It might also be a good idea to take note of what food you ingested with your medication because some hinge on specific dietary restrictions.
Only Use One Pharmacy
Using a single pharmacy can reduce the risk of accidental medication poisoning if you have multiple physicians. Your individual physicians may not be aware of the medications your other physicians have prescribed. So, if you only use one pharmacy, all of your medications will be consolidated. Your pharmacist will likely notice if your medications are not compatible if they’re the one dispensing all of them. Still, it’s always a good idea to double-check with them when you pick up your prescriptions.
Speak With Your Physician
The best way to avoid accidental medication poisoning is to communicate with your physician. If you keep a list of all of your medications, bring it with you to your appointments so you can consult with them about any potentially dangerous prescription combinations.
If you are concerned about accidental medication poisoning, the right insurance coverage can help put your mind at ease.
Hudson’s Bay Financial Services is proud to have teamed up with Chubb Life to offer Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance.1 It’s one of the most affordable ways you can help protect yourself and your family from the financial consequences of an unexpected accident or accidental death.
If you are between the ages of 18 and 69, your acceptance is virtually guaranteed. There are no medical questions or exams required for enrolment and you can choose up to $500,000 in coverage.
In addition to easy enrolment, affordable group rates and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, you can earn 1,000 Hudson’s Bay Rewards points when you obtain a one-time, no-obligation quote. You will also earn 2,000 Rewards points upon enrolment and 4,000 Rewards points annually when you continue to renew your coverage.2
Learn more about Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
through Hudson’s Bay Financial Services.
1) Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance is arranged for by Hudson’s Bay Financial Services and underwritten by Chubb Life Insurance Company of Canada (“Chubb Life”). Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance is currently not available in Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, Quebec, Nova Scotia. Complete details of coverage, including definitions of covered accidents and any limitations or exclusions that apply, are set out in the Policy.
2) Earn 1,000 Hudson’s Bay Rewards points when you obtain a one-time, no-obligation Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance quote; 2,000 upon approval; and 4,000 annually.