It is estimated that 28% of hospitalizations among seniors are due to adverse drug reactions. Medication-related problems are among the five top causes of death in people 65 years old and older, after cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
While every medication has benefits, they also have risks. These risks are sometimes called side effects or adverse drug reactions.
Why are seniors at risk?
Seniors are more likely to have multiple health problems and, therefore, take more medications than younger people. Seniors comprise approximately 13% of the U.S. population, but consume 34% of total prescription medications.
Many adverse drug reactions occur when medications interact with each other. It is estimated that the incidence of a drug interaction rises from 6% for someone taking two medications a day, to as high as 50% for someone taking five medications a day.
High Alert Medications, such as warfarin, insulin, digoxin and seizure medications, require laboratory monitoring to be used safely. Seniors with heart conditions, diabetes and seizure disorders are at risk for medication-related problems if they do not comply with the necessary monitoring.
Additionally, as people age, the ability to absorb, utilize and eliminate medications from the body may be reduced or altered, making seniors more sensitive to a medication’s effects.
How can medications be used safely?
Keep a list of all your medications. Include prescription medications, over the counter medications and all supplements. The list should include the date the medication was started, the name of the medication, strength, dosage form, directions for use, the reason for taking the medication and the name of the physician that prescribed the medication.
Bring your list of medications to every medical appointment. Ask if any of the medications could be causing a new symptom you may be experiencing. Ask if all of the medications on the list are still necessary.
Be sure to take all medications as stated on the prescription label.
When you are prescribed a new medication, ask your pharmacist to explain how to take your medications properly. Ask him or her to review common side effects of the medication and any special precautions you should take.
Always ask questions. Repeat the information back to be sure that you understood all important information correctly.
The more YOU know about your medications, the safer YOU will be. Be well!
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