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Knowing more about the medications they
take may help older adults get more out of these medications-and
suffer from fewer adverse reactions.
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According to the Alliance for
Aging Research (Older Americans Most at Risk to Medication-Related
Problems) at least 12 percent of Americans, 65 and older consume
30 percent of all prescription medications and 24 percent of
nonprescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Many of these adults use more
than one medication to manage chronic conditions, such as heart
disease, or pain, such as arthritis pain. However, adults
over 65 who take multiple medications are more susceptible to
adverse reactions such as excessive sleepiness, depression, memory
changes, confusion and balance problems.
The use of multiple medications-OTC,
herbal and prescription-can be dangerous if not monitored by
a physician, since many herbs are base ingredients for prescription
drugs and some may add to the effects of prescription drugs.
For example: |
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- an herbal remedy taken for depression,
St. John’s Wort, should not be taken at the same time as
a prescription antidepressant.
- Gingko Biloba, an herbal remedy,
can increase bleeding time for people taking Coumadin, a blood
thinner.
Prescription drugs can also interact
negatively with each other. One way to avoid this is to have
all prescriptions from each of your physicians filled
at the same pharmacy so the pharmacy can track possible interactions.
It’s also a good idea to ask the doctor or pharmacist for
instructions on taking medicine. Should it be taken on an empty
stomach or with food? Should any foods be avoided while on the
medication? What common side effects might you experience? How
long before results can be seen? What happens if a dose is skipped?
Can the medication be split or crushed if the pill is too large
to comfortably swallow with water?
Less than 30 percent of older
adults take their medication properly. This can be the result
of problems with eyesight, memory problems, arthritis or financial
problems (patients don’t fill prescriptions or take half
the amount prescribed). If eyesight is the problem, patients
can request large-print labels. Multi-compartment pillboxes labeled
with the day/time can help with memory problems, as can calendars,
alarms and telephone notification or paging systems. There are
also ways for older adults to help meet costs.
The Pharmaceutical Manufacturer’s
Association produces a directory of participating pharmaceutical
programs which offer prescription drugs free to those who cannot
afford them (1-800-762-4636).
The Medicine Program can help
with prescription costs to qualifying individuals (1-573-996-7300)
or visit www.themedicineprogram.com.
- Ask if a less expensive generic
drug can be substituted for a brand name.
- Ask about senior citizen discounts.
- Investigate mail order programs.
- Ask for pharmacy discount programs
from organizations specific to your condition.
To help, the MetLife Mature Market
Institute® has produced a guide called Medications
and the Older Adult, one in a series of guides for caregivers
called Since You Care. |
