Medication Safety

Be Cautious When Buying Medication Online

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Description:

Buying prescription drugs on the Internet may seem to save time and money--but it's important to avoid products that are outdated, counterfeit, or otherwise unsafe. Learn how to protect yourself by knowing what to look for.


Consumer Medical Safety

Source: Institute for Safe Medical Practices

Description:

Offers consumer information and free personalized safety alerts for medications


Consumers Can Prevent Medication Errors

Source: Institute for Safe Medication Practices

Description:

Drug safety information from nonprofit organization devoted entirely to medication error prevention and safe medication use.


Dietary Supplements Labels Database

Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine

Description:

Information about ingredients in more than two thousand selected brands of dietary supplements.


Drug Safety and Availability

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Description:

Consumer information on medication safety from the FDA.


Drugs A-Z

Source: AARP

Description:

AARP drug directory offers extensive information on individual medications, including interactions and side effects


Factsheet: Dietary Supplements--More Is Not Always Better

Source: National Institute on Aging

Description:

Information on vitamins, herbs, energy drinks and other over the counter supplements. Many are of little or no benefit, and may even be dangerous for older adults.


Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol with Medicines

Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Description:

Information on harmful drug/alcohol interactions; includes chart of specific drugs and possible reactions with alcohol.


Medicine Safety: Who’s At Risk and What You Can Do

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Description:

CDC offers information about avoiding adverse drug events, for seniors and other populations.


Medicines and You: A Guide for Older Adults

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Description:

FDA offers information for seniors and family caregivers


Medicines: Use Them Safely

Source: National Institute on Aging

Description:

Online brochure covers medication safety in easy-to-understand language for seniors and caregivers. (Also available in Spanish.)


Medline Plus Drug Information

Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine

Description:

Information from the National Institutes of Health on thousands of prescription and over-the-counter medications.


Pill Identification Tool

Source: WebMD

Description:

Searchable directory helps identify drugs.


SafeMedication.com

Source: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists

Description:

Information includes “My Medicine List,” an online medications record.


Taking Medicines Safely

Source: National Institutes of Health

Description:

Online tutorial and resources from the National Institute of Aging.