Have you ever noticed when you start talking about adverse events in our elderly, it has a high chance of pointing back to one thing?
Elderly patients take about three times as many medications as younger patients do. They are also the greatest consumers of prescribed and non-prescribed medications. There has been a gradual increase in prescription drug use in the United States. According to CMS, the average number of prescriptions per year, including refills, is currently 28.5 per senior (up from 19.6 in 1992). The average cost per prescription has also jumped from $28.50 in 1992 to $42.30 in 2000, an increase of 48%. Since the elderly have less participation in drug trials, there is insufficient information on the side effects and adverse reactions of drugs on the elderly. As a result, older patients have to rely on general guidelines with information extrapolated from other age groups to make decisions regarding prescription drug use.
The Risks in Using Multiple Medications
Prescription medications can improve the symptoms of a disorder and improve the quality of life. However, they also have the potential to cause dangerous side effects.
As our bodies change with age, so does the need for a different dosage, interval and duration of treatment. The longer an individual is on a drug, the greater the likelihood of an adverse reaction. The effects of a harmful drug reaction can appear as an isolated symptom (drowsiness) or as a group of symptoms (depression and confusion). In the elderly, toxic reactions can occur even at low drug dosages. Therefore, the elderly should approach the use of prescription medication with caution and report any unusual or new symptoms to their health care provider.
Unfortunately, for some elderly adults with dementia or in memory care units, they aren’t able to communicate these concerns. That’s where Pharmacogenetics can help.
Pharmacogenetics is the study of inherited genetic differences in drug metabolic pathways which can affect individual responses to drugs, both in terms of therapeutic effect as well as adverse effects. In other words, how each individual person responds to drugs. It’s a personalized way of making sure your body can metabolize a drug – and that drug can give you therapy.
But not all pharmacogenetic companies are the same. Make sure when you are doing your research you ask all the right questions.
- How many genes do you analyze? Since this is a once-in-a-lifetime test, you want to get the whole picture.
- Does the company offer education? Not only upfront, but ongoing, after the test is complete.
- Will the company help in the process? Some will give you the kits and you will never see them again.
- How do I know what I am reading? Make sure they help you interpret results and answer questions you might have.
- Will I ever see them again? You want a company that will offer you a “program” not just a test.
PGx Medical is the trusted and experienced resource for the implementation of pharmacogenetics in the field of aging services. Our proprietary process impacts quality, adds value and enhances the customer experience by addressing clinical concerns such as falls, dementia, sleep, pain, med management and overall staff efficiencies.
Our team of experts will educate, implement and provide ongoing education for your staff, residents and/or families.
For more information on the PGx Medical program, call 405-509-5112 or email info@pgxmed.com.
source: CDC.gov