Clipping Board » Drug Poisoning ─ It is necessary to be aware of the toxic side effects before taking medication.
[Associated Press, Elizabeth, New Jersey]
Medco Health Solutions Inc. announced on the 13th a new survey revealing that prescription drug errors are a leading cause of death or injury among patients in the United States, with elderly individuals facing greater risks due to their tendency to take more medications and see more doctors.
The analysis showed that patients aged 65 and older, who typically have chronic conditions and visit multiple doctors, are nearly seven times more likely to experience medication errors compared to those under 65.
According to Medco's Senior Vice President, Dr. Stettin, the survey defined medication errors as instances where a patient's prescription interacts adversely with other medications they are taking, exacerbates other health conditions, or involves incorrect dosages.
Dr. Stettin stated, "Clearly, the more medications a person takes, the greater the likelihood of interactions. The more doctors a patient sees, the more prescriptions they receive, yet there is often a lack of communication among those prescribing."
Physicians treating older patients noted that while the findings were not surprising, they underscore the need for a centralized repository of medical information for each patient.
Experts pointed out that while pharmacies conduct checks for potential drug interactions when dispensing prescriptions, this is not sufficient. Pharmacies may not be aware of all of a patient's medical conditions or the other medications they are taking. Medco's analysis found that nearly a quarter of elderly patients obtain medications from three or more pharmacies.
[09/15/2006, Min Sheng Daily]
Source: http://udn. com/ NEWS/ LIFE/ LIF2/ 3517163. shtml
Multiple Drug Interactions: Leading Cause of Death in Elderly
Medco Health Solutions Inc. announced on the 13th a new survey revealing that prescription drug errors are a leading cause of death or injury among patients in the United States, with elderly individuals facing greater risks due to their tendency to take more medications and see more doctors.
The analysis showed that patients aged 65 and older, who typically have chronic conditions and visit multiple doctors, are nearly seven times more likely to experience medication errors compared to those under 65.
According to Medco's Senior Vice President, Dr. Stettin, the survey defined medication errors as instances where a patient's prescription interacts adversely with other medications they are taking, exacerbates other health conditions, or involves incorrect dosages.
Dr. Stettin stated, "Clearly, the more medications a person takes, the greater the likelihood of interactions. The more doctors a patient sees, the more prescriptions they receive, yet there is often a lack of communication among those prescribing."
Physicians treating older patients noted that while the findings were not surprising, they underscore the need for a centralized repository of medical information for each patient.
Experts pointed out that while pharmacies conduct checks for potential drug interactions when dispensing prescriptions, this is not sufficient. Pharmacies may not be aware of all of a patient's medical conditions or the other medications they are taking. Medco's analysis found that nearly a quarter of elderly patients obtain medications from three or more pharmacies.
[09/15/2006, Min Sheng Daily]
Source: http://udn. com/ NEWS/ LIFE/ LIF2/ 3517163. shtml