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Medication use among older Australian veterans and war widows
J E Byles1, R Heinze, B K Nair
1Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Newcastle, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. julie.byles@newcastle.edu.au
Internal Medicine Journal
|August 5, 2003
Summary
Polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications, is a significant issue for Australian war veterans and widows. Over half of participants used four or more regular medications, indicating potential prescribing problems.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Polypharmacy is common in older adults, increasing risks of adverse drug events and interactions.
- Australian war veterans and their widows represent a specific demographic potentially at higher risk due to age and health conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review medication use in Australian war veterans and widows.
- To identify medication types, quantities, and instances of potential inappropriate prescribing.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of medication data from 887 participants.
- Classification of 4304 medications using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) code.
- Assessment for potential drug interactions.
Main Results:
- Median of four regular medications and one as-needed medication per participant.
- 53% of participants used four or more regular medications.
- 26 potential drug interactions identified in 25 individuals, highlighting polypharmacy concerns.
Conclusions:
- Polypharmacy presents a considerable challenge for this population of older Australians.
- The findings underscore the need for medication reviews to ensure safe and effective prescribing practices.
- Further research into interventions to manage polypharmacy in veteran populations is warranted.
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