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."
- Dr. Peter Kilbridge, Director, First Consulting Group

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 here.

The Testing Process

The process is simple. You can order testing directly if you have a physician prescription or your healthcare provider can request testing for you. We send a cheek swab collection kit with directions by mail. Samples are submitted using the enclosed return mailer and results are provided in ten days or less. Faster testing is available for an additional charge. Call a DNA testing consultant at (800) 523-3080 for details and to order, or request information to you or to your healthcare provider on your behalf, simply complete the request form.

References

Cozza KL, Armstrong SC, Oesterheld JR (2003) Drug Interaction principles for Medical Practice. American Psychiatric Publishing Inc

http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/279/15/1200

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/431686

http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/289/24/3238

http://www.data360.org/dsg.aspx?Data_Set_Group_Id=466

Disclaimer: Do not alter the dosage amount or schedule of any drug you are taking without first consulting a qualified healthcare professional.
The text presented on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is for your information only and may not represent your true individual medical situation. Do not hesitate to consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.