Medications and Older Adults

These nationwide non-profits provide assistance to those who need financial aid to pay for their prescription medications.

Johnson and Johnson faces a multi-billion dollar financial penalty for making misleading claims about one of its most popular drugs.

Statins are the most common prescription medication taken by aging adults, and as with any drug, there are benefits of and drawbacks to their use. Consider these facts if you or your loved one is taking a cholesterol-lowering drug.

A nationwide report reveals where consumers should go to buy the cheapest prescription drugs and strategies for decreasing medication costs.

Antipsychotics can help manage symptoms of agitation, aggression and anxiety in people with Alzheimer's disease, but these drugs carry safety concerns that caregivers need to be aware of.

New research casts doubt on the effectiveness of two commonly-prescribed senior medications: beta blockers and anti-depressants.

Only 3 percent of online pharmacies are safe to use, according to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. The vast majority of web-based medication merchants fail to meet the U.S. standards for pharmaceutical quality and safety.

A recent analysis of the medications commonly prescribed to older adults reveals that a significant percentage of meds are unnecessarily prescribed and can be harmful to seniors.

Extreme temperatures can affect the safety and effectiveness of both prescription and OTC medications. Follow these simple steps to properly store a senior's meds and ensure they're protected from excessive heat and cold.

Exposure to intense sun and heat can cause dangerous drug interactions, especially in older adults. Be mindful of a senior’s medication regimen and outdoor activities during the summer months to avoid dehydration, skin reactions and heat-related illness.

Medication-related problems like drug interactions, side effects and nonadherence can negatively impact an elder’s health and even increase the risk of death. Patients and caregivers are the first-line defense in preventing and addressing these issues.

Safely dispose of old medications twice per year on National Drug Take Back Days in October and April.

Research indicates that older adults are more likely to be hospitalized for adverse drug events related to the use of blood thinners or diabetes medications than they are to be harmed by more risky drugs like prescription painkillers.

A new study indicates that offering medicine free of charge doesn't significantly incentivize people to follow a prescription drug regimen.

Alzheimer's patients may be taking conflicting drugs. People with Alzheimer's may be taking medication to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease while taking other prescriptions that have the opposite effect.

People with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers should check their Medicare prescription drug coverage annually for changes specific to their prescribed medications and dosage.

Internet pharmacies attract customers with the promise of cheaper medications delivered directly to their homes. While buying prescription drugs online may seem more convenient than going to the local pharmacy, this option does come with serious risks.

The drug shortage in 2011 is a national health crisis. Life-saving or medically necessary drugs are running low — or running out — at hospitals across the nation.

Lengthy lists of side effects and confusing instructions are making prescription labels increasingly difficult for doctors and caregivers to interpret.

Driving while on painkillers and other pain medication is dangerous and can have deadly consequences. Some individuals can take medication for pain and drive as well as perform many other tedious, precise tasks, but many cannot.