Older Adults May Be Prescribed New Medications to Treat Side Effects of Drugs They Already Take
Learn how medication side effects can be mistaken for new health problems, leaving older adults with prescriptions they may not need.
Older adults starting certain medications may be prescribed new drugs to manage side effects, according to a study in the journal The BMJ. The research analyzed prescription patterns in over 2.3 million Ontario adults aged 66 and above, identifying 24 drug combinations that should be closely examined. The study, led by Paula Rochon, highlights the challenge of recognizing side effects that can lead to additional prescriptions.
For instance, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for pain can raise blood pressure, prompting another prescription to lower it. Older adults, especially women, often take more medications, increasing the likelihood of harmful side effects. Identifying these potentially inappropriate prescribing cascades can help healthcare providers reconsider medications, potentially reducing unnecessary prescriptions and associated costs.
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