Older people often take several types of medication at the same time because they may have multiple medical conditions. This can make it more difficult to identify the cause when a new symptom suddenly appears.
According to a study published in BMJ, older women are particularly vulnerable. They are more likely than men to have multiple chronic conditions, receive more medical treatment and experience more side effects.
The study was led by Paula Rochon of Sinai Health in Toronto, and the research team included experts in areas such as health conditions affecting older people, medication and treatment.
Researchers identified patterns
The researchers examined 65 potentially problematic combinations of medications. Using prescription data from the health data institute ICES, they investigated which treatment patterns frequently occurred among older adults.
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They looked at factors including how many people received the first medication, how often a second medication was subsequently prescribed and how strong the association was between the two treatments.
The researchers point out that digital systems can help identify such patterns. Pharmacists may also play a greater role in reviewing patients' medications.
Medication to treat side effects
The study identified 24 treatment patterns that were both relatively common and potentially harmful.
The problem arises when a side effect of a medication is interpreted as a new medical condition. The patient is then prescribed another medication instead of having the original treatment reassessed.
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One example is NSAID painkillers, which can raise blood pressure. This may result in the patient subsequently being prescribed medication for high blood pressure.
The researchers therefore emphasize that doctors should review a patient's complete medication history before prescribing a new medication.
This includes not only which medications the patient is taking, but also when and why each treatment was started. This can make it easier to determine whether a new symptom is actually caused by medication the patient is already taking.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.