Jefferson: Currently used tools to prevent over-medicating senior cancer patients need improvement. Open
the medicine cabinet of a senior and you’re likely to find scores of
pill bottles. Physicians are often unaware of all the medications a
patient is taking, which can result in unnecessary additional
prescriptions, non-prescription medications and potential drug-drug
interactions that cause unexpected adverse effects. When a cancer
diagnosis is thrown into the mix, the drug-drug interactions can become
even more complex. A new study evaluates the currently available
screening tools for determining if and when seniors with cancer are
taking too many medications and finds that a more comprehensive
medication assessment and monitoring plan is needed to improve treatment
for this population.
