Medicines play an important role in helping many older Australians manage ongoing health conditions, relieve symptoms and maintain their quality of life. As people age, however, it is common to take several different medicines at the same time. While these medicines may each be necessary, using multiple medications can increase the risk of side effects, interactions and medicine-related problems if they are not carefully managed.
Understanding your medicines and reviewing them regularly with a healthcare professional can help ensure each medication remains appropriate for your needs. Taking an active role in managing your medicines is an important step towards maintaining your health, independence and wellbeing.
Why Medicine Safety Becomes More Important with Age
As we grow older, our bodies process medicines differently. Changes in kidney function, liver function and metabolism may affect how medicines work and how long they remain in the body.
Older Australians are also more likely to live with several chronic health conditions, meaning they may be prescribed medicines by different healthcare providers.
These factors can increase the risk of:
- medicine interactions
- unwanted side effects
- dizziness or drowsiness
- falls
- hospital admissions related to medicines
- taking medicines incorrectly
Regular monitoring helps reduce these risks and ensures treatment continues to meet your changing health needs.
Keep an Up-to-Date Medicine List
One of the simplest ways to improve medicine safety is to keep an accurate list of everything you take.
Your list should include:
- prescription medicines
- over-the-counter medicines
- vitamins
- herbal products
- complementary medicines
Bring this list whenever you visit your GP, pharmacist, specialist or hospital. Having complete information allows healthcare professionals to check for possible interactions and ensure your medicines continue to work safely together.
Review Your Medicines Regularly
Medicine needs often change over time. A medication that was appropriate several years ago may no longer be necessary or may require a different dose.
Regular medicine reviews with your GP or pharmacist can help:
- confirm each medicine is still needed
- identify medicines that may no longer be appropriate
- reduce unnecessary medicines where suitable
- check for side effects or interactions
- answer questions about how and when medicines should be taken
Medicine reviews are particularly valuable after a hospital stay, when a new medicine has been prescribed or when health conditions change.
Taking Medicines Safely Every Day
Good medicine habits can help reduce the risk of mistakes and improve treatment outcomes.
Some practical tips include:
- take medicines exactly as directed
- use a medication organiser if recommended
- read labels carefully
- store medicines correctly
- avoid sharing medicines with others
- never stop, start or change a medicine without professional advice
If you experience unexpected side effects or have concerns about your medicines, speak with your GP or pharmacist rather than making changes yourself.
Understanding Your Medicines Helps You Stay Independent
Knowing what each medicine is for—and why you are taking it—can help you feel more confident managing your health.
Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare team questions such as:
- What is this medicine for?
- When should I take it?
- Are there any common side effects?
- Could it interact with my other medicines?
- Do I still need to take this medicine?
Being informed allows older Australians to participate more actively in decisions about their healthcare while supporting safer medicine use.
Official information:
https://www.nps.org.au/consumers
Find the Right Home Care Provider with Confidence
For some older Australians, managing medicines becomes easier with the right support.
Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA) offers a free Care Finding service to help older Australians and their families compare Home Care providers based on individual needs, service flexibility, fees and location.
With more than 25 years of experience in the Australian aged care sector, SSCA provides independent, no-obligation guidance to help families find a provider that supports their health, wellbeing and independence.