Principles Of Pharmaceutical care For The Older Adult

Patients may find it difficult to adhere to a drug regimen that is too complex. A complex regimen may involve taking multiple medications at different times or in different combinations, which can be confusing and hard to remember. This complexity can lead to non-compliance, where patients may forget to take their medications or take them incorrectly. Simplifying the drug regimen can improve patient adherence and ensure that they receive the full benefits of their medications.

Eng said in class that many elderly patients are not taking calcium with vitamin D.

Polypharmacy refers to the situation when a person is taking multiple medications simultaneously. This can occur when an individual has multiple health conditions that require different medications, or when a single health condition requires multiple medications to manage its symptoms. Polypharmacy can lead to potential drug interactions, increased risk of adverse effects, and difficulties in medication management. It is important for healthcare professionals to carefully assess and monitor medication regimens to ensure the safety and effectiveness of treatment.

These are common drug-drug interactions with the elderly.

In elderly patients, any symptoms should be considered a drug side effect until proved otherwise. This means that any new or unusual symptoms that arise in an elderly patient should be initially attributed to the medication they are taking, until other potential causes are ruled out. This approach is important because elderly individuals may be more susceptible to adverse drug reactions due to factors such as age-related changes in metabolism and multiple medication use. Therefore, considering any symptoms as potential drug side effects allows for timely identification and management of medication-related issues in this vulnerable population.

"Start low, go slow, but don't stop too soon."

HTN - 50,000,000
Arthritis - 40,000,000
Osteoporosis - 10,000,000
Cancer 8,000,000
Stroke - 4,000,000
Alz Dz - 4,000,000

There is a significant association with: higher socioeconomic status, greater number of medications, and higher psychological stress.

Patient assistance programs are largely funded by pharmaceutical companies. These programs provide financial assistance and support to patients who are unable to afford their medication. The programs vary in benefits and eligibility criteria, but generally, patients must demonstrate financial need to qualify. Pharmaceutical companies fund these programs as part of their corporate social responsibility and to ensure that patients have access to their medications, even if they cannot afford them. These programs play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare disparities.