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[Health Plus] Illness caused by medication, adverse drug reactions in the elderly
A super-aged society where 20% of the total population is aged 65 or older.
As we face this directly, the number of chronic disease patients in our country is rapidly increasing.
Medications for chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension usually need to be taken for many years.
As a result, it is reported that nearly 70% of elderly people in our country are taking more than five types of medication for over three months.
Today on Health Plus, we will learn about medication side effects in the elderly.
After taking the medication, the doctor or patient did not want it.
If harmful effects on health appear
It is defined as a side effect of the medication.
Elderly people are more than three times as likely as younger people.
Susceptible to drug side effects.
Reasons why elderly patients are hospitalized
Drug side effects account for about 3 to 9%.
Medicines are developed through multiple stages of research and clinical trials.
This exam itself is not for the elderly.
Since it is designed for young and healthy people
Adverse effects are more likely to occur in the elderly.
Professor Jang Il-young / Seoul Asan Medical Center Geriatrics Department
Elderly people experience changes in their bodies due to aging, which affects how medications are absorbed and act in their bodies.
The process of leaving the body is quite different and more pronounced compared to young people. It is also much more unstable. Especially when physical functions are somewhat impaired, and one or two organ functions are decreased, and in cases over 80 years old, the likelihood of drug side effects occurring is significantly higher.
Usually, when taking one medication, compared to
When taking multiple medications at the same time
The side effects occur more frequently.
If you regularly take more than five medications a day,
The frequency of side effect occurrence has significantly increased.
When taking more than 10 pills
The probability of side effects occurring is close to 100%.
In other words, it is inevitable to experience one or more adverse drug reactions.
However, they do not notice the side effects of the medication.
To address side effect symptoms
There are cases where new medications are prescribed more frequently.
Professor Jang Il-young / Seoul Asan Medical Center Geriatrics Department
In the case of elderly drug side effects, they often experience a loss of energy, dry mouth, and decreased appetite.
Dizziness and other symptoms we commonly complain about as we age are mostly signs of aging. Therefore, it can be difficult to determine whether these symptoms are side effects of medication or simply due to aging. Especially when we do not anticipate or suspect that these symptoms are caused by medication side effects, we may mistakenly think that a new illness or disease has developed, leading us to take additional or new medications. Conversely, if there is an underlying hidden condition, such as diabetes or depression, it is not uncommon to mistake these symptoms for side effects of medication, thereby missing the opportunity for early diagnosis of a new disease.
A chronic disease that was well managed through consistent medication over several years
At some point, it becomes difficult to control.
As you get older, even small changes
The drug concentration and effects in the body
Because it can change significantly.
However, most patients
I don't think the medication you've been taking for a long time is inappropriate. If the effectiveness of the medication is not the same as before or if any abnormal reactions occur, you must consult a doctor.
In our country, the threshold for medical institutions is relatively low.
Not only is it easy to get prescriptions from various medical institutions, but also
Over-the-counter medicines and health supplements purchased at the pharmacy
There are many cases where it is taken all at once.
The risk of drug side effects is particularly high.
Professor Jang Il-young / Seoul Asan Medical Center Geriatrics Department
To prevent adverse drug reactions, it is essential to have a professional review of medications to ensure that only necessary drugs are taken appropriately. Especially, doctors and pharmacists pay close attention when dispensing medications, but there are quite a few people who arbitrarily or voluntarily stop taking their medications because they experience discomfort or suspect side effects. Such cases can be very dangerous. Therefore, I hope everyone remembers that any changes in medication should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Too much of a good thing is as bad as not enough, and this also applies to health. To ensure that the medication taken for health does not become a poison, we need to review whether the current medication is not excessive and whether there are any issues. This has been Health Plus.