Support is available to help with swallowing difficulties

Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you are having difficulties swallowing tablets as many common medicines are now available in alternative forms.

If you’re having trouble swallowing tablets and capsules, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies change and it becomes harder to perform certain functions.

Difficulty swallowing — otherwise known as dysphagia — isn’t solely associated with ageing and can be due to several conditions and causes. These include stroke, dementia, head and neck cancer or even a phobia of swallowing medication.

Many people over 60 have struggled to take solid medicines at some time.

Breaking stigma around geriatric health

Worryingly, some people will not take their medicines if they have difficulty swallowing them. Many people over 60 have struggled to take solid medicines at some time.

This can ultimately have a negative impact on their health, causing concern for the patient, their loved ones and carers. We need to break the stigma around talking about geriatric health, you are just as important as anyone else. This is a cause Rosemont Pharmaceuticals champion as an organisation.

Seeking advice and support

Don’t be embarrassed to have a conversation with your GP or local pharmacist about any difficulties you may face because they may be able to help.

For example, pharmacists want to do more to help patients and are increasing the clinical services they offer for their local communities. They often run national awareness campaigns, such as ‘Ask Your Pharmacist Week’, to encourage more people to use their pharmacies as a first port of call.

It is important that you take your medications correctly, as instructed by your GP or pharmacist, so they work effectively. Many people are unaware that a lot of common medicines are now available in alternative formats such as liquids, dispersible forms and mini tablets.

DTM347 November 2021