"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 from info@genelex.com.
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. Use the return mailer to submit samples and receive results 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.
Check Common Drugs Processed by Enzymes We Test
Disclaimer
The 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.
