Aging and Medication Safety: Essential Tips to Prevent Health Risks

As we get older, our health needs and risks change. We need to stay active but also be aware of our physical limitations. Our diets may change because we must consider things like a slower metabolism or newly developed heartburn. We may need more sleep to feel rested than when we were younger. Living into your twilight years truly does require more attention and planning for your health.

One plan of care that older adults should be careful about is medication safety. The American Geriatric Society creates a list of medicines that may be risky for patients over the age of 65. Doctors may still prescribe these medications because sometimes the benefits outweigh the risks. However, sometimes, the potential harm may be greater than the expected benefits.

This article will review a few of these potentially unsafe medications, what to do if you’re prescribed one, and the importance of preventative health screenings. We will also cover how the Ochsner Digital Medicine program can help you manage your medications for cardiometabolic conditions and provide lifestyle support to keep you healthy and happy.

Whether you are a caregiver, healthcare professional, or someone nearing or over the age of 65, this information should promote better health and help prevent complications.

The risks of medications in older adults

The American Geriatric Society updated its list of potentially risky medications for patients 65 and older in 2023. As we age, our bodies handle medications differently, which can increase the chance of side effects.

5 categories of medications are risky for older adults, according to the American Geriatric Society

1. Potentially inappropriate medications: Some medications that are helpful for younger patients can be harmful to older adults. The risks may outweigh the benefits, so doctors need to evaluate carefully.

2. Medications inappropriate for certain conditions: Some drugs might worsen certain diseases or common syndromes in older adults.

3. Medications to be used with caution: Some drugs need extra care and monitoring due to the potential for severe side effects.

4. Potentially harmful interactions: Older adults often take several medications, which can interact in harmful ways.

5. Medications requiring dosage adjustments based on kidney function:

When kidneys don’t work as well, certain drugs can build up in the body, increasing the risk of toxicity.

Examples of potentially inappropriate medications

The list of medications the American Geriatric Society provides is long, but this article will touch on a few common examples, including two medications that are frequently prescribed to those living with Type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

Here are a few examples of medications that may pose risks for older adults:

• Benzodiazepines (such as Valium and Xanax) are used to treat anxiety or muscle spasms but can lead to memory problems, falls, and fractures in older adults. The body’s ability to break down these drugs decreases with age, leading to buildup in the system. Many of these medicines must be stopped slowly, so it's important to talk to your doctor about how to manage doses.
• Sulfonylurea is a drug class that contains oral diabetes medications (such as GlipiZIDE XL, Glyburide) that helps to control blood sugar levels in those with Type 2 diabetes. However, medications can frequently cause low blood sugar in older adults, which may lead to passing out or seizures.
• Nonselective peripheral alpha-1 blockers are used for high blood pressure (hypertension). These drugs can cause “orthostatic hypotension,” which means blood pressure drops upon standing, leading to dizziness, falls, and fractures. Patients who take these medicines should be careful when standing up. A lot of falls and injuries happen in the middle of the night because patients quickly get out of bed, and their blood pressure and pulse can't adjust quickly enough, leading to a fall. Instead, sit on the edge of the bed for a bit to stabilize your pulse and blood pressure before standing.

Why are annual screenings to important?

Annual wellness visits and routine screenings are crucial, especially for people over 65. These visits help create personalized plans to prevent diseases and disabilities. Key screenings and checkups related to medication management include:

• Annual physical exams ensure necessary labs are completed and address any medication changes. Your doctor will review and update your medications and check for potential drug-drug interactions.
• Vision checks are essential to prevent falls and medication errors. Vision problems can also lead to accidental overdoses.
• Cardiovascular disease screenings include regular blood tests to check cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Your doctor can adjust medications to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Diabetes screenings help detect the condition early, allowing for timely intervention and prompt management via lifestyle modifications and medication initiation or adjustment. For those with diabetes, these screenings track the effectiveness of the current treatment plan.
• Depression screenings catch signs of depression early. Yearly assessment is important, as depression is common in people with chronic conditions or those taking medicines that might affect mood.

Understanding the risks associated with certain medications and the importance of regular screenings can help prevent complications and improve quality of life. Additionally, if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes, Ochsner Digital Medicine can help.

What is the Digital Medicine Program?

Ochsner Digital Medicine is program designed to help manage high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and weight from the comfort of your home.

Members receive digital devices, like a blood pressure cuff or glucometer, that connect to a smartphone or tablet to send readings directly to their medical record. Enrollment is completed through the Digital Medicine app, which also offers tips, reminders and resources for better health.

A team of healthcare professionals, including a licensed clinician and a panel of professional health coaches, monitor your readings, adjust your medications if needed, create personalized care plans, and provide lifestyle support. The clinicians are well-versed on medication safety and will encourage you to complete your annual screenings. The health coaches can assist with diet recommendations, meal planning, and goal setting.

Digital Medicine is convenient and demonstrates clinically proven results. Four out of five participants achieve their blood pressure or A1C goals within six months. The program also significantly reduces ER visits and hospital admissions for both patients with high blood pressure and diabetes.

If you or one of your loved ones has been diagnosed with one of these cardiometabolic conditions, I encourage you to look into the Ochsner Digital Medicine program today.