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Medication Safety [Podcast]

Posted March 26, 2025

Pill bottles and organizer

Listen in as we discuss medication safety with Allison Plata and Rebecca Varkett. They discuss understanding medications, potential side effects, interactions, and tips for organizing and storing medications safely. The episode also highlights the role of pharmacists and the importance of keeping an up-to-date list of medications.

Featured Speakers:

Allison Plata, MSN, RN, CMSRN, EBP-C

Rebecca Varkett, MSN, APRN, AGCNS,-BC, CMSRN

Scott Webb (Host): Though our doctors and pharmacists are great resources when it comes to medications and supplements, the responsibility for knowing what we're taking, when to take medications, how to organize the various pills that we take, is really our responsibility. And joining me today to discuss medication safety are Allison Plata, she's a Clinical Nurse Specialist Intern, and Rebecca Varkett, she's a Clinical Nurse Specialist, and they're both with Summa Health. This is Healthy Vitals, a podcast from Summa Health. I'm Scott Webb. 

It's nice to have you both here today. I know we've spoken before about other things, other topics for Summa Health. And today we're going to talk about medication safety, what to do with our medications, how to sort of keep track of them, where to store them, all that good stuff. So Allison, I'm going to start with you. Just want to find out, like, what do we need to know about medications that we're taking? Like what are the essential things we should have in our heads?

What do we need to know about medication safety?

 

Allison Plata, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CMSRN, EBP-C: For our medications, you should always know what medications you are taking, why you are taking those medications, the dosages of those medications, any potential side effects, or any concerns with how those medications should be interacting with activities or medications, other medications we are taking.
One resource that we have to help with some of that information can be easily found on the medication label. The label can tell you how often to take that medication, the provider who prescribed that medication, and any warnings about how the medication can interact, such as needing to take it with food, or it can cause you to be drowsy or dizzy.

A few great resources to find out about any of those potential side effects is:

1. Ask the pharmacist when you're picking it up

2. Read the pamphlet provided from the pharmacy

3. Any instructions from the doctor's office or the after visit summary, which is the paperwork you get when you are discharged, and lastly, 

4. MyChart

In MyChart, you can see the medication you are taking, and underneath the medication name, you can click on the words Learn More. This will take you to the website where you can read more information about the medication, such as how to take the medication, any side effects, how the medication works, and what to do if you miss a dose.
If you do miss a dose, do not double up on that dose unless you are instructed to do so by a provider, and if you experience any side effects, report those to your provider. There are also some medications that have interactions with certain foods or activities to avoid, such as blood pressure medication can affect how you feel when you stand up, causing you to be lightheaded or dizzy, and this puts you at a risk for a fall.

So, if you are taking a medication that can cause this, be mindful of position changes to help prevent a fall. Additionally, some medications need to be taken on an empty stomach or with food due to causing an upset stomach. An example of a food interaction is with iron that is a common medication that some people take and it should not be taken with milk.
Finally, some medications are dependent on the time of day or the timing is based on the reason for why you're taking that medication. For example, some medications require a certain time of day that the medication is taken such as Synthroid or levothyroxine which is for a thyroid disorder and should be taken the first thing in the morning before breakfast with no other medications.
Lastly, for some medications, the time of day is important because of how the medication works. For example, Lasix or furosemide, also known to some people as a water pill, which causes the person taking it to go to the bathroom more frequently. Therefore, this medication is not taken at bedtime because it will cause the person to have to get up more frequently in the night to go to the bathroom.

This can put you at a higher risk of a fall or injury because of being tired and limited light that increase the risk of tripping or taking a misstep. If you have any concerns or questions, you can always ask your provider when the best time would be for you to take your medications.

Host: Yeah, as you say, our providers are an invaluable resource. I actually have a friend who's a pharmacist, so, not everybody has that luxury, but when in doubt, quick text to my friend, hey, what about this? Will it interact with that? When do you recommend, you know, time of day, those types of things, but start with provider. Pharmacists are a great resource as well. And Rebecca, just wondering, like, what's our responsibility as patients, right? We're the patients, although, I guess doctors and nurses and health care providers are also patients. But what responsibility do we have to ensure medication safety?

How can we ensure medication safety?

 

Rebecca Varkett, MSN, APRN, AGCNS,-BC, CMSRN: Know that you are the most vital member of your own healthcare team. Yes, your physician or nurse play an important role, but you must take the steps to ensure that you protect and optimize your own health. Healthcare is complex. Many patients see multiple providers who specialize in different areas of their care.
It is great because you are seeing the expert in that area. However, the downfall is that things can fall through the cracks or what we often refer to as the Swiss cheese effect. This can occur when one provider prescribes a medication and another is unaware and prescribes a similar medication, which may poorly interact with each other and actually increase your risk of adverse or side effects.
There are important steps that you can take to ensure medication safety, including trying to use the same pharmacy. The pharmacist is, also an important member in your healthcare team. So if you don't have a friend, um, who can help you with this, your pharmacist really is your friend, so use that resource that you have when you fill your medication.

So keeping up with the same pharmacy, and they review the medications you are prescribed, they ensure that you are taking the right medication. Your pharmacist can help reduce the risk of polypharmacy, or what we call it's multiple prescriptions for treating multiple conditions, again, increasing the risk of adverse medical outcomes. Always ensure that you have an up to date list of medications, including the names and doses and how often you take them. Don't forget to include your vitamins and supplements on this list as well, and make sure that you bring this list to every single doctor's appointment. MyChart is a great resource for medication information, just as Allison had previously discussed, but in addition to keeping you informed, MyChart does enable you to keep an up to date list, adding new medications, removing old medications you are no longer taking.

In addition, you can even request additional refills for medications you will soon be running out of. Another, key takeaway to being an advocate for yourself is utilize a support person. This might be a spouse, a friend, or a neighbor, someone who knows where you keep your list of medications, what pharmacy you use, and who your primary care provider is. It is important, in case of an emergency situation where you may not be able to provide the answers yourself.

Host: Yeah. A lot of good information there. A lot of good suggestions there. And, you know, Rebecca, one of the things that I invested in a long time ago was a pill organizer because I, and I'm sure a lot of people go through this where I would stand there in the kitchen where I keep my pills, you know, and I would think, did I take my pills or did I just think about taking my pills?
You know, and I finally invested the $10 or whatever it was to get that pill organizer. That way I can check and like, no, I actually did take them. No, you were just thinking about taking them. So along those lines, like what are some health habits, if you will, to help us to stay organized and consistent with our medications?

What are some tips to keeping medication organized?

 

Rebecca Varkett, MSN, APRN, AGCNS,-BC, CMSRN: Yes, key habits include keeping yourself informed, incorporate into a routine, and, like you just pointed out, staying organized. Keeping yourself informed, I cannot highlight enough how important this is. Ask your physician, your nurse, your pharmacist, many questions. Know why your provider prescribed that medication to you and the key takeaways from that medication resource that Allison had shared previously.

It is important to know more than the color and size of the pill. I have many patients who tell me that they take the small yellow pill, but do not know why the small yellow pill was prescribed or any further valuable information. If you know your pills by the color and size, add that description to your list in addition to the medication name, why you're taking them and a few takeaways such as, you know, take on an empty stomach or with food.  

Incorporate your medication into your daily routine. This may look different for everyone, so only you can determine what is best for you. When you get a new medication, think about your daily routine and how this specific medication can be included. So maybe, you know, you brush your teeth every day. Could you take it when you do that, when you eat dinner or breakfast or keeping them at the bedside, you know, and take them before you get out of bed every morning. Other habits to stay organized with your medication could be that pill organizer that you had mentioned. There's also a lot of free apps that are available to help. They have alarms on them, you know, and help keep that organized in your list of medications when you're supposed to take them. So, utilizing those can help you stay organized as well.

Host: Yeah, and Allison, I just want to finish up here, and this is all, this is great information, you know, it's the type of information that maybe some of us should already know, right, but it's good to have experts on to reinforce this and encourage us all to be more in control of things and keep lists, and set reminders, and have organizers, and all this good stuff.
I know it could be particularly important with certain medications, you know, when it comes to handling or storing medications, like what are some of your recommendations?

How should we handle and store medication?

 

Allison Plata, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CMSRN, EBP-C: Yeah, absolutely. There are a key couple of things that we need to remember about how we handle and how we store medications. When you're thinking about how you store your medications, keep in mind a safe location, especially if you have children in the home. In addition to where they are stored, be careful with how they are stored. Pill holders that are easy to open can allow for easy access, and unfortunately medications are colorful or fun shaped, making them look like candy for children. Some of these medications have special storage considerations, such as nitroglycerin needs to be protected from light, so it needs to stay in its darkly tinted bottle, or some medications need to be stored in the refrigerator, such as some forms of insulin or antibiotics.

Additionally, if your provider changes your dose of your medication, that you dispose of that old medication so there's no confusion with that medication. Additionally, always discard any old or unused medications and not keep them for a later date for use. When you're no longer taking a medication, some local pharmacies or fire departments have safe disposal bins that you can bring your medications into, and some cities have days around the year for that safe medication disposal. Lastly, you can always ask your pharmacist of what is the best way to dispose of your medication safely.

Host: Yeah, as I said, this is all good stuff, good information. I've done that before, you know, when my wife and I had sort of collected a bunch of empty bottles of pills or there were still some pills in this one or that one or whatever. I just went to the police station, in our local town here. They have a nice little drop box there, really convenient. And you definitely just don't want to throw those things in the garbage where anyone, you know, could get their hands on them. So great to have you both back on today. Have you both on together, talk about medication and pill safety and all that. So thank you so much.

Rebecca Varkett, MSN, APRN, AGCNS,-BC, CMSRN: Thank you for having us. 

Host: And for more information, go to sumahealth.org/center-for-clinical-inquiry. And if you enjoyed this episode of Healthy Vitals, we'd love it if you'd leave us a review. Your review helps others find our educational content. I'm Scott Webb. Thanks for listening, and we'll talk again next time. 

 

About the Author

Allison Plata, MSN, RN, CMSRN, EBP-C

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Summa Health's Project SEARCH helps young adults with disabilities gain employment

Summa Health is helping to educate and employ young adults with disabilities one student at a time through Project SEARCH.

Since 2005, Summa Health has partnered with the Six District Educational Compact, a regional collaborative that provides career-technical education programs, to offer high-school students a one-year, school-to-work transition program on-site. Modeled after the growing Project SEARCHnational program, the initiative is designed to help qualified students…

Maternal Health in the Black Community [Podcast]

Dr. Cheryl Johnson leads a discussion focusing on empowerment in the African American community, especially maternal health.

Testicular Cancer: An Overview from Prevention to Treatment [Podcast]

Dr. Dankoff provides an overview of testicular cancer. Learn about symptoms, prevention, and treatment options.

What Makes a Great Doctor - Personal Insights, Advice, and Why they Chose Medicine [Podcast]

Dr. Shanu Agarwal and resident Kortnie Broschinsky discuss their journey into healthcare.

What Makes a Great Doctor - Personal Insights, Advice, and Why they Chose Medicine [Podcast]

Dr. Shanu Agarwal and resident Kortnie Broschinsky discuss their journey into healthcare.

Occupational Therapy: What Is It, How Does It Help, Who Should See An OT [Podcast]

Craig Wood leads a discussion focusing on occupational therapy, its benefits, and why he got into the field.

Our Commitment to Creating a Healthier Community [Podcast]

Iriel Hopkins and Marlo Schmidt discuss ways in which Summa Health System contributes to a healthier community.

Travel plans? Check out these tips for preventing and treating motion sickness

Have you ever walked off a boat, stepped off a rollercoaster or gotten out of a car only to feel nauseous, dizzy and otherwise awful?  That’s motion sickness.  Anyone can experience it — one in three people do in their lifetime, in fact — but it’s most common in children and pregnant women.

Typically, motion sickness occurs with any form of travel, whether by car, bus, train, airplane or boat.  Sometimes amusement rides can cause it, too.…

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – What You Need to Know [Podcast]

Karen Frantz DeSeptis and Ericka Malone lead a discussion on SIDS, and important information you need to know.

An Overview of Osteoporosis: Prevention to Treatment [Podcast]

Natalie Hiltbrand, an Osteoporosis Specialist at Summa Health, leads a discussion on osteoporosis treatment, as well as prevention.

Dos and Dont's to safely care for cuts and scrapes at home

Cuts from household items, such as knives, broken glass or needles, are commonplace. All it takes is a slip of the knife during meal prep or a broken glass while cleaning up and suddenly, you’re bleeding. Now what?

Immediately apply pressure on the area with a tissue, gauze pad or clean cloth to stop any bleeding. It should stop after a few minutes, so don’t remove the gauze until you’ve applied pressure for two to three minutes. Removing the cloth too soon…

Why is it so important to understand your family health history?

You may have heard someone comment on a shared feature that you have with a family member, or heard someone is the spitting image of a relative.  It’s true family members share similar looks, but they also share genes — which aren’t as easy to see. For instance, you may be unaware that you also share your great-grandmother’s increased risk for heart disease.

When it comes to your health, knowing your family’s traits that you can’t see…

5 tips for safeguarding your home against preventable accidents

When you think of home, you often think of it as your safe haven from the outside world. It’s your safe space you get to return to every night.

The sobering reality, however, is more than 50 percent of unintentional injuries happen in or around the home, according to the National Security Council (NSC). People of certain ages, especially young children and the elderly, are more susceptible to serious injury from household hazards.

The good news is many of them are…

The Importance of Knowing Your Family Health History [Podcast]

Dr. Lynn Hamrich discusses why it is important to know the health history in your family.

All About Gestational Diabetes [Podcast]

Healthy VitalsDr. Katherine Wolfe discusses gestational diabetes.

10 ways to stop and prevent nosebleeds

Nosebleeds are very common and can strike at any time. While they can look scary with blood trickling out your nose, the good news is nosebleeds are rarely serious.

But you may be wondering, what is causing this messy nuisance?

There are many reasons why you could be getting nosebleeds. The most common cause is dry air. During the winter months, dry household heat and cold, dry air outside can irritate nasal membranes and trigger nosebleeds.

Other reasons for nosebleeds can…

Addressing Common Pelvic Health Issues [Podcast]

Dr. Megan Cesta and senior physical therapist Amy Senn discuss common pelvic health issues women may experience.

Finding pain relief for your autoimmune disease

Chronic, severe pain from autoimmune diseases can have a detrimental impact on your health, work and relationships. When you’re suffering from chronic pain day in and day out, it’s only natural that you become less active, antisocial, moody and find it difficult to sleep.  

Not to mention, the stress, anxiety and even depression that comes from dealing with pain can make it even worse.

Autoimmune diseases are a chronic condition in which your immune system…

Why is it so important to get your flu shot this year?

Last winter, the community took several precautions to help stop the spread of COVID-19. From masks and social distancing to virtual work and school to cancelled events, an unforeseen positive side effect was a less intense flu season.  

Flu cases documented during last year’s flu season were historically low by a wide margin. Medical professionals haven’t seen anything like it.  

So with many precautions still in place amidst an ongoing pandemic, you may be…

Do's and Don'ts for Campfire Safety and Burn Prevention

Updated June 2025

For many, summertime is not complete until one activity has been done—a campfire! From gooey s’mores and roasted hot dogs to sharing ghost stories, campfires are a sure-fire way to get into the summery spirit, all while surrounded by family and friends.

Unfortunately, a burn from the campfire can quickly put a damper on those summertime memories. As one of the most dangerous activities without the proper burn prevention and protocols in place,…

Summer Safety: Knowing the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke could save a life

Summer often brings some much-needed fun in the sun. But as temperatures and humidity rise, so do the dangers of heat illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 600 people are killed by extreme heat every year in this country.

Infants and people aged 65 or older, especially those with chronic conditions, are most at risk for heat illness. However, it can affect anyone, even young athletes and those in good physical condition.

The good news…

Is working from home a pain in the neck — literally?

Many agree one positive that has come out of the COVID-19 pandemic is the work-from-home order to prevent further spread. No more long commutes and fighting traffic, more time spent with family and less interruption from chitchat around the water cooler.
 
In the United States, it’s estimated nearly 50 percent of the working population is now working at home. But as more and more companies embrace remote working for the long haul, one negative has emerged: new or…

Thyroid disease 101: Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing serious complications

The thyroid gland has an important job to do in the body. It produces thyroid hormones that help regulate metabolism and the body’s overall temperature. Metabolism is a process that turns food into energy, which is vital to keeping all of our body systems working correctly. This small, but mighty gland impacts just about every area of the body, including heart function, digestive function, muscle control, mood and brain development.
 
The thyroid gland is a small,…

Urologic cancers 101: Be in the know so you can catch it early

Bladder cancer is the most common urologic cancer in both men and women. Each year, about 57,000 men and 18,000 women are diagnosed with the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

But, urologic cancers don’t only affect the bladder. They also can affect the kidneys, ureter (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), urethra, and specifically in men, the penis, prostate and testicles.

In fact, the CDC states prostate…

Cold feet: Common winter foot problems and ways to avoid them

Winter is upon us — freezing temperatures, snow flurries and whipping winds — and we all know what that means. It’s time to bust out our heavy, winter coats, hats, gloves and scarves to keep us warm on these frigid days. But, don’t forget about your feet, too. It’s important to always wear winter shoes and boots to protect them against the harsh elements.

Lower temperatures can be hard on your extremities, especially your feet. Exposure to cold air causes the body to slow…

All About Sleep Apnea [Podcast]

Dr. James Bavis & Dr. Ketan Deoras explain sleep apnea as well as signs, symptoms, and what to expect.

Breast Cancer: The Importance of Knowing Your Risk [Podcast]

Dr. Keristen Brantley & Dr. Victoria Van Fossen discuss Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment.

Alzheimer’s Awareness: Symptoms, Stages, and Support [Podcast]

Amanda Harvan sheds light on the symptoms, stages and support of Alzheimer's.

Men’s Well-Being: All About Prostate Health [Podcast]

Dr. Kevin Spear discusses men's health and different risk factors and how to ensure optimal well-being.

The Latest Updates on COVID-19 [Podcast]

Dr. Thomas File shares the latest updates on COVID-19.

Family preparedness: How to help keep your loved ones safe if disaster strikes

Planning ahead of time for disaster—whether it’s natural or manmade—is the best protection for you and your family. From house fires to infectious disease outbreaks to tornadoes, disasters unfortunately can and do happen—striking at any time, with little to no notice. 

Unfortunately, only about 39 percent of people have developed an emergency plan on what to do as a family if something goes wrong, according to the Centers for Disease Control and…

Can Obesity be Considered a Disease [Podcast]

Dr. Adrian Dan discusses obesity as a metabolic disease.

Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness [Podcast]

Emily Hionides-Horner discusses 7 ways to overcome mental health stigma.

The Modern Guide to Heart Health [Podcast]

Dr. Peter Bittenbender shares his insight on the modern guide to heart health.

Tips on Maintaining Fitness and Physical Health During the Pandemic [Podcast]

Dr. Cipriani discusses tips on maintaining physician health during the pandemic.

Tips for Managing Anxiety [Podcast]

Dr. Leslie Zaynor discusses tips for managing anxiety.

6 reasons why your wound won't heal

You know the saying, “Time heals all wounds.”? Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily true. Chronic wounds can linger for weeks, even months, and in many cases don’t heal without medical intervention. 

A wound is considered chronic if it has not healed significantly in four weeks or completely in eight weeks. If you’re suffering from a wound or sore that isn’t showing any signs of healing, talk to your doctor. If left untreated, chronic…

Get the Facts on Cyberchondria

Suddenly, you wake up in the middle of the night with a bellyache. It starts off as a dull pain, but then quickly intensifies and seems to move down your torso. So, you immediately jump on your computer or phone to search for various conditions you could be suffering from. Could it be a stomach virus, or maybe an ulcer or worse yet, stomach cancer?

If this sounds familiar, you may be suffering from cyberchondria. It’s a hybrid term for cyberspace and hypochondria (now…

Hand Washing Do's and Don'ts

One of the best and most effective ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others is by washing your hands properly and often. It doesn’t take much time or effort and offers a very effective means of preventing the spread of illnesses ranging from viruses like cold and flu to other bacteria or viruses. As you touch people, surfaces and objects throughout the day, you gather germs on your hands. You can infect yourself with these germs by touching your face;…

7 Serious Health Concerns Affecting African Americans

Updated April 2025 by Shivonne Suttles, M.D.

According to the CDC, the death rate for African Americans has declined more than 25 percent over the past 17 years, especially for those 65-years and older. However, new research shows younger African Americans are living with or dying from diseases most often found in Caucasians much later in life.

The African American community should be aware of a few serious health concerns that statistically affect them at higher rates. If you…

6 Questions You Should Be Asking Your PCP

Your primary care provider (PCP) should be your partner in ensuring you are your best and healthiest self, which is why it is so important to have a strong and communicative relationship with them. When you meet with your PCP for a checkup or an annual visit, the provider typically has a limited amount of time they can spend with you, so it’s important you go in prepared with a list of questions to get the most out of your appointment. Here are a few questions you…

A Guide to Your Health in the Heat - UV Index and Air Quality Index Explained

We’re in the depths of summer heat, and as the heat rises, so does the threat of air pollution and the dangers of UV rays. Globally, extreme temperature events are increasing in frequency, duration and magnitude, which means it will become even more important to protect yourself and your family’s health from rising temperatures and extreme heat. 

While there are many factors to keep an eye on as temperatures rise, there are two numbers right within your local…

Common Summertime Hazards to Avoid

Summer’s finally here and we’re all about having fun in the sun – but with the heat, summer often brings along some bumps and bruises. Here are a few tips on how to avoid common summer hazards so you can keep the good times rolling.

Mosquito Bites:

Those itchy little bites can be more than just annoying – mosquitos can carry diseases like West Nile virus. Travel is common in the summer and mosquito bites in other areas of North America can also put you…

7 Everyday Items that Increase Sun Sensitivity

Skin cancer is by far the most common cancer in the US and with summer sun on the horizon, proper protection should be priority number one. While you should practice sun safety year round, you should monitor your sun exposure closer during these longer, hotter days.

Sunscreen, long sleeves and a hat are the easiest ways to protect your skin, but did you know there are common everyday items that could increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun?

5 Types of Integrative Medicine You Can Do at Home

Yearly visits to your primary care physician are an important part of a healthy lifestyle plan. Another form of care known as integrative medicine should be an additional resource you consider when building a complete lifestyle plan. Sometimes confused with other treatment options like complementary or alternative, integrative medicine puts the patient at the center of both physical and mental health by expanding treatment options. However, all three of these terms refer to different types of care.

Battling Bladder Control: Male and Female Incontinence

Normally associated more with females than males, urinary incontinence affects at least 25 million Americans each year. And while 75 percent are female, the issue can affect any person, at any age.

Interesting fact: Incontinence is not a disease, it is always a symptom or cause of something else. There are at least 4 different types of incontinence and a host of causes and issues that can cause bladder leakage.

4 Questions to Ask Your Primary Care Physician When Prescribed New Medication

According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 25 percent of new prescriptions are never filled at the pharmacy. Even more staggering is the fact that medication is not taken as prescribed up to 50 percent of the time. Before your primary care physician (PCP) prescribes any medication, we review all medical history, possible allergies and evaluate and treat the cause for your visit.

There are many different reasons a PCP may prescribe new medication:

  • A…

The Power of Vitamin D

You may have heard of the health benefits of vitamin D in the fight against the common cold.

A British investigation published in February 2017 concluded that taking vitamin D supplements can help protect against respiratory infections like colds, bronchitis and pneumonia. The researchers looked at data from 25 clinical trials involving some 11,000 patients from 14 countries and found a significant but modest benefit. These results occurred mostly among those…

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