You and your MedicineYou and your Medicine

Janet Landau MS., Pharm.D.,RPh.Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy & Health

SciencesLong Island University

Interdisciplinary Community-Based Health Education

Project Funded by: HRSA Grant# 1 D37 HP 00838-01

Aging in AmericaAging in America34.9 million individuals 65 years and older12.4% of US population

65 to 69

=>10095-99

90-94

70-74

75-79

80-8485-89

Source: US Census Bureau, 2000

Aging and medicinesAging and medicines

Aging may mean….– More aches and pains and illness – More frequent visits to doctors– Taking more medicine– Buying more from the pharmacy– More self-care

The Senior MarketThe Senior Market

•34.9 million individuals 65 years and older

Assisted living1.8 million residents

Nursing homes1.8 million residents

Home care3.5 million beneficiaries

Community-based LTC8.5 million individuals

NORCs8.5 millionresidents

Other elderly10.8 millionresidents

Rx Use and SeniorsRx Use and SeniorsRx use increases with age

– 65-69 year olds - 13.6 Rxs/year– 80-84 year olds - 18.2 Rxs/year

Seniors in poor health use 6X the Rxs as

excellent health

Source: AARP Issue Brief, 1991

Rx Use and SeniorsRx Use and Seniors Elderly account for 42% of total annual Rx

$pending in the US– $43 billion of $102 billion

Source: Families USA/Prime Institute July 2000

Elderly Rx $$

Non-elderly Rx $$

US Population

Seniors

Aging Aging

Age brings body changesThe body handles drugs

differentlyPeople age differentlyEveryone is an individual Age 65 is not the same as 85

Drug use and effectsDrug use and effects

Absorption may varyThe effects may last longerIncreased sensitivity to drugsRisk of side effects increases Dosage needs to be individualized Some drugs are not recommended in older

individuals

The more we know, the The more we know, the better it is….better it is….

Buying over-the-counter could be dangerousThere are so many medicines today

– how do you choose which one?

Family remedies and herbals – -are they always safe?

Prescription DilemmasPrescription DilemmasShould I take this-will it hurt me ?Why did the doctor give this to me ?I don’t think this is helping meI feel worse since I started taking thisThis is too expensive for me to buyI can’t remember the directions…

and I can’t even read the label!

Sources of InformationSources of Information

My ‘friend’, ‘sister’ ‘daughter’ says….. I heard it on the radio I saw it on the TV I read it in the magazine

Remember - ask the experts

Why you need to know Why you need to know about your medicinesabout your medicines

You know what to expectLess worry and confusion

To avoid side effectsBetter quality of life

Communication or “How to Communication or “How to become an expert”become an expert”

Be a partner with your doctor..don’t be afraid to ask

Get to know the pharmacistBe familiar with the pharmacy-

keep to the same oneWrite down your questions

What you must knowWhat you must know

Why you are taking the medicine The name and strengthHow long you are to take itHow to take it correctly

and a few more ‘dos and don’ts’…………