Senior citizens suffering from a wide array of ailments may have a need for several different medications. Taking a multitude of different medications doesn’t necessarily mean that issues will definitely occur but combining several different medications can be risky. Whenever there are multiple medications in a patient’s regimen the chances for a negative drug interaction or unwanted side effects increases. Open communication with doctors and a thorough evaluation conducted by a medication consultant are essential for minimizing dangerous drug interactions.
A recent study conducted by researchers in Denmark shows that even the most commonly purchased or prescribed medications can come with risks. Researchers have linked ingredients in popular over the counter and prescription anti-inflammatory medications to an increased risk of a dangerous heart rhythm disorder.
The increased risk was the most prevalent among brand new users to the pain killers. Those new to taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications were at nearly a fifty percent increased risk of atrial fibrillation compared to people not taking NSAIDs. Other studies have linked non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain killers to other serious heart related health issues in seniors who had no heart health issues.
Even drugs that are widely used and that seem to have a host of positive benefits can be dangerous to introduce into a regimen for a number of reasons. Health care providers need to be well informed of any new or pre-existing conditions and of all medications that a patient is on prior to initiating a new prescription.
Prescription medications that would be perfectly safe for the majority of patients suffering from a specific condition could be dangerous or even deadly to others. By having a medication regimen evaluated by an experienced medication consultant doctors and patients can pursue the safest course of treatment possible for any condition.