Did you know that some medications may need to be avoided if you are over the age of 65?
By: Morgan Masterson, PharmD, BCGP
As we age our bodies react differently to medications than they did when we were young due to the normal physiologic changes that occur with aging. Many older adults have multiple diseases that can interact with medications as well. Unfortunately, most research involves younger adult participants leading to less information regarding the impacts of medications in older adults.
As clinicians, we have a resource called the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria that we can utilize to determine if medications may be inappropriate for certain patients over the age of 65. The Beers criteria list has been around since 1991 and is updated periodically to reflect changes and advancements in medicine, the most recent update being in 2023. The purpose of the Beers criteria list is to reduce older adults’ exposure to potentially inappropriate medications by helping to thoughtfully guide prescribing choices.
The Beers criteria list focuses on five general categories:
- Medications considered as potentially inappropriate
- Medications considered as potentially inappropriate in patients with certain diseases or syndromes
- Medications to be used with caution
- Potentially inappropriate drug interactions
- Medications whose dosages should be adjusted based on renal function
There are many factors that affect medication choice.
You may be using a medication that is deemed potentially inappropriate, but is the best choice for you when considering your conditions, other available options, cost, and goals of care. You can help your health care team optimize your medication use by keeping a current list of your prescription and over-the-counter medications with dosing, frequency and indication to regularly review for necessity and safety. Discuss with your provider any side effects or concerns you may have regarding your medications and supplements. Deprescribing or discontinuing medications may be possible and beneficial.