Protecting older adults from medication mistakes

Summary

As people age, managing multiple medications becomes increasingly complex, raising the risk of drug interactions and side effects. Dr. Ugochi Boone, a geriatrician at Grady, advises seniors to maintain a list of their medications, including names, reasons, and dosages, and discuss them with their doctors. She emphasizes the importance of reviewing medications regularly, as older adults may not tolerate drugs as well as younger individuals. Additionally, patients should inquire about potential interactions and side effects when prescribed new medications, ensuring they are aware of all treatments, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Takeaways

• 👵 As we age, our bodies may not tolerate medications as well, increasing the risk of drug interactions and side effects.
• 💊 Seniors often manage multiple prescription drugs for various health conditions, which can be risky.
• 👩‍⚕️ Dr. Ugochi Boone, a geriatrician, advises that older patients should be aware of the medications they are taking.
• 📋 It's crucial for seniors to maintain a list of their medications, including the names, reasons for use, and dosages.
• 👨‍⚕️ Discussing medications with doctors is important to ensure they are current and to check for potential drug interactions.
• 🏥 Hospitals may face challenges in managing medication for seniors due to different electronic medical record systems.
• 👁️‍🗨️ Patients should ask about possible drug interactions and side effects when prescribed a new medication.
• 💡 Being an empowered patient, knowledgeable about one's medications, can help prevent hospitalizations.
• 🌿 Over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements can also cause drug interactions and should be disclosed to doctors.
• ✅ Regular medication reviews by healthcare providers are essential to adjust for age-related changes in medication tolerance.

Q & A

Why can taking multiple medications be risky for seniors?

Taking multiple medications can be risky for seniors because as we age, our bodies may not tolerate certain medications as well, and the more drugs taken, the higher the risk of dangerous drug interactions or negative side effects.

What is the role of Grady geriatrician Dr. Ugochi Boone in managing medication for seniors?

Dr. Ugochi Boone, a Grady geriatrician and associate professor of medicine at Emory University, takes care of older patients, often 75 and older or younger with ongoing health issues. She and her team review each medication an older patient is taking to check for potential interactions and side effects.

How many medications might an elderly patient be taking according to Dr. Boone's experience?

Elderly patients might be taking anywhere from a few to as many as eight or ten medications, depending on their health conditions.

Why is it challenging for an 80-year-old to tolerate medication like a 40-year-old?

An 80-year-old may not tolerate medication like a 40-year-old because older adults' bodies may not metabolize drugs as effectively, and they often have multiple medical problems requiring various medications, which can complicate treatment.

What is one of the challenges faced by hospitals when dealing with medication for new patients?

A challenge faced by hospitals is that they may not share the same electronic medical record systems, which can lead to incomplete knowledge of a new patient's current medications and potential for drug interactions.

What is the first step recommended for patients to lower their risk of a medication mistake?

The first step is for patients to be aware of what medications they are taking. They should make a list, including the name of each drug, why they take it, and the dosage.

Why is it important for seniors to discuss their medications with their doctor?

It is important for seniors to discuss their medications with their doctor to ensure the medications are current and to check for potential drug interactions or side effects that could be harmful.

What should patients ask when prescribed a new medication?

Patients should ask about possible drug interactions and side-effects when prescribed a new medication to ensure they are informed about any risks associated with the new drug.

Why is it crucial for patients to inform their doctor about over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements they are taking?

Informing the doctor about over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements is crucial because these can also cause drug interactions and side effects, which might not be apparent without full disclosure.

What is the role of being an empowered patient in managing medication?

Being an empowered patient can help individuals stay out of the hospital and maintain their health at home by actively participating in their healthcare decisions, including medication management.

What advice does Beth Galvin provide for seniors to protect themselves from medication issues?

Beth Galvin advises seniors to be aware of their medications, discuss them with their doctor, and ask about potential drug interactions and side effects to protect themselves from medication issues.