A surprising number of children have to take medication, both prescription medication for conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, or ADHD, and over the counter medication for issues like allergies. In any case, parents must be vigilant in managing medications for their child, which becomes a bit more complicated when it’s time for them to enter school.
Managing Medicine at Home
Medication management starts at home. Here are some tips to ensure that your child takes medication correctly and safely.
- Create a medication schedule
You can make a chart that you put up on the fridge or set reminders on your phone to ensure that medications are taken on time. Also, include refill dates for medications.
- Use one pharmacy
Pharmacies check for medication interactions, so get your prescriptions all at the same pharmacy.
- Bring all medications to appointments
If your child sees multiple providers, be sure to take all medications with you to appointments for reconciliation.
- Use provided administration supplies
Always use the supplies provided with the medication, such as cups, syringes, and spoons, to administer the medication. This ensures that dosages are correct.
- Store medications safely
Keep medications out of reach of small children. Also, be sure to refrigerate medications when required, and keep all medications away from heat.
- Teach your children about their medication
Help your child understand what the medication is for, how it helps them, and the importance of taking it on time.
- Always keep a list of medications
Always have an updated list of medications so that if your child has a medical emergency, you can provide it to health care providers.
- Watch for side effects
Know the potential side effects of your child’s medications and watch for signs. Some side effects can be dangerous, so make sure that you are informed and observant.
- Don’t stop medications suddenly
Never stop giving medications without talking to your child’s doctor. Some medications have to be stopped gradually.
- Check the labels every time
Always check the labels on medications before you give them to avoid mistakes.
How Is Medication Managed at School?
It’s natural to be concerned about your child’s medications when they enter school. You’ll want to ensure that they are given correctly and on time. Every school has its own policies about how medication is managed at school, so you’ll want to learn those policies and procedures as well as who will be administering the medication. Schools generally have a nurse or another staff member who is specifically trained to handle medication management and administration.
Coordinating Medication Management with Your Child’s School
To ensure that your child’s medications are properly managed at school, you should take several steps.
- Give the school written instructions from the prescribing doctor
The school will need written instructions from your doctor about how and when the medication should be administered. These instructions should include:
- Your child’s name
- Reason for the medication (i.e. ADHD or diabetes)
- Name of the medicine
- Dosage and time of administration
- How to administer the medication
- How long your child will be taking the medication
- Side effects to watch for
- Special instructions
- Whether or not your child can take the medication on their own (i.e. an epinephrine injection)
- Work with your child’s doctor and pharmacist
If your child will take more than one dose at school, it should be prescribed in such a way that the medication is packaged separately by the pharmacy, and labeled with instructions, dosage, and timing.
- Fill out school forms
Every school will have forms that you’ll need to fill out to give your consent for the school to administer medications. These forms may also require information from the medication prescriber.
- Keep medications in their pharmacy packaging
Always deliver the medications to the school in their pharmacy packaging, which should include all required information about the medication including dosage and administration instructions.
- Take the medications to the school yourself
Don’t have your child take the medications to school themselves. You should do it, and hand them to the appropriate adult.
- Ensure that the medications aren’t expiring
Before you take the medications to school, make sure they are not going to expire during the school year. If they are, set a reminder for the date so that you can take in new medications.
- Individual Health Plans
If your child has a chronic or serious condition, the school may require an Individual Health Plan (IHP), which will specify medication instructions, what school staff should watch for, and how emergencies will be handled.
In Closing
Managing your child’s medications is a big job, and when your child starts school, you’ll need to ensure that it is done properly by school staff. If you need assistance with management of your child’s medications, school forms, or any other medical needs that your child has, Health Service Alliance is here to help. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized, and accessible care regardless of your ability to pay. Reach out today to learn more.
