Drugs And Aging"Medication errors and adverse drug events
are grossly under-recognized in the institutions where they
are occurring, and surveillance
and follow up on adverse drug events is woefully inadequate." Older people are especially at high risk of having an adverse drug reaction, primarily because they're likely to have many health problems for which they are taking several prescription and over-the-counter drugs. This makes drug-drug interactions a particular concern. Recent studies show:
Chronic or multiple illnesses, which are common in older patients, may alter drug response. Kidney and liver function and the ability to eliminate drugs from the body decline with age; these problems are often further complicated by malnourishment and dehydration. Older patients-even those with normal kidney and liver function studies-have a reduced rate of drug metabolism and elimination compared with younger adults. Patients 60 and older account for 51% of the deaths from ADRs. Although this age group represents about 17% of the U.S. population, it accounts for 39% of hospitalizations. Ten to 17% of hospitalizations of older patients are directly related to ADRs. Upon discharge, 50% of patients with ADRs experienced a decline in one or more activities of daily living, compared to 24% of patients without ADRs. Americans over 65 are the fastest growing segment of the population. In the next three decades, they will triple in number to 70 million, a fifth of the U.S. population. Genelex considers this age group as special stakeholders in the work we do. If you are a caregiver to these most vulnerable of patients and wish more information on ADRs and aging, request it from info@genelex.com. Call Genelex today at (800) 523-3080 to order testing or order on-line. If you are over 60, ask for the 10% Senior Discount. Don't forget to take a look at our other informational genetic testing products now as you receive significant discounts when ordering tests at the same time. Check Common Drugs Processed by Enzymes We Test Order on-line by clicking here Note: Testing is currently not available to New York residents and can only be ordered through a physician in Maryland and California. DisclaimerThe content of this web site is for public use, free of charge, and for information only. It is not intended to be used in any other way. The authors disclaim any liability, loss, injury, or damage incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the content of this web site.The information presented on this site is intended as general health information and as an educational tool. It is not intended as medical advice. Only a physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional should advise a patient on medical issues and should do so using a medical history and other factors identified and documented as part of the health professional/patient relationship. |
