Nearly half of over 65s are taking five or more drugs, and without regular reviews this may be both dangerous and costly to them and Medicare.
Inevitably people do get put on more drugs when they get older because they suffer from more chronic conditions - this is often the right thing to do, but the problem is we don't necessarily know how these drugs are going to work in combination and lots of people are not taking them as prescribed.
A british study showed 60% of 500 polled believed they may be suffering side-effects from the drugs, but many did not tell a doctor.
Many of these drugs are on repeat prescriptions, and could have been prescribed for conditions the patient no longer has.
The The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain polled 457 people aged 65 and above on their medications - which included prescriptions, drugs bought over the counter and herbal medications.
The Studies conclusion urges, all older people to request a medication review from their doctor and pharmacist.
The same study shows one in five are not taking medications as prescribed, and one in seven do not take their pills at the recommended time.
The medication of older people has long been an area of concern: the combination of ageing bodies less able to cope with drugs, treatment by multiple doctors ( a particular problem in Australia where patients are often not registered with one practice alone) treatment for multiple conditions, and known problems in adhering to the instructions, all raise the risk of side effects.
As many as 17% of hospital admission are due to these adverse reactions, and it is estimated that over three-quarters of these "are predictable and preventable",
A team of of a well-trained professionals (Pharmacist and GP ) could potentially pick up problems. Medicare has long recognized this and funds a yearly comprehensive medication review in team work between your GP and Pharmacist. Both conduct an interview with you , the GP often does some tests or collects results of recent investigations and copies these into a letter to your pharmacist requesting a Medication Management Review. In Medicine it’s true that 2 cooks are often better than one.
GPs are excellent at prescribing, but they are not always so good at knowing when to stop, and they may not always have the time to conduct a thorough review. That's where the well-trained pharmacist has a key role.
It is vital to inform your GP and Pharmacist if you take over the counter medications , vitamins , trace elements or alternative medicines. It pays to stick with one General Practice and one Pharmacy so they both have a comprehensive understanding of your problems, allergies and treatments. Discuss your eligibility for a Home Medicines Review on your next visit to your Doctor or Pharmacist!
Helko Schenk
GMG
29 7 2009
Inevitably people do get put on more drugs when they get older because they suffer from more chronic conditions - this is often the right thing to do, but the problem is we don't necessarily know how these drugs are going to work in combination and lots of people are not taking them as prescribed.
A british study showed 60% of 500 polled believed they may be suffering side-effects from the drugs, but many did not tell a doctor.
Many of these drugs are on repeat prescriptions, and could have been prescribed for conditions the patient no longer has.
The The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain polled 457 people aged 65 and above on their medications - which included prescriptions, drugs bought over the counter and herbal medications.
The Studies conclusion urges, all older people to request a medication review from their doctor and pharmacist.
The same study shows one in five are not taking medications as prescribed, and one in seven do not take their pills at the recommended time.
The medication of older people has long been an area of concern: the combination of ageing bodies less able to cope with drugs, treatment by multiple doctors ( a particular problem in Australia where patients are often not registered with one practice alone) treatment for multiple conditions, and known problems in adhering to the instructions, all raise the risk of side effects.
As many as 17% of hospital admission are due to these adverse reactions, and it is estimated that over three-quarters of these "are predictable and preventable",
A team of of a well-trained professionals (Pharmacist and GP ) could potentially pick up problems. Medicare has long recognized this and funds a yearly comprehensive medication review in team work between your GP and Pharmacist. Both conduct an interview with you , the GP often does some tests or collects results of recent investigations and copies these into a letter to your pharmacist requesting a Medication Management Review. In Medicine it’s true that 2 cooks are often better than one.
GPs are excellent at prescribing, but they are not always so good at knowing when to stop, and they may not always have the time to conduct a thorough review. That's where the well-trained pharmacist has a key role.
It is vital to inform your GP and Pharmacist if you take over the counter medications , vitamins , trace elements or alternative medicines. It pays to stick with one General Practice and one Pharmacy so they both have a comprehensive understanding of your problems, allergies and treatments. Discuss your eligibility for a Home Medicines Review on your next visit to your Doctor or Pharmacist!
Helko Schenk
GMG
29 7 2009
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