Seniors regularly taking OTC and prescription meds together

Results of a recent survey have revealed that nearly half of seniors in the United States use prescription medications together with those bought over-the-counter (OTC), and that approximately 1 in 25 are potentially at risk of a major adverse drug reaction because of an interaction between medications.

Dima Qato and colleagues at the University of Chicago analyzed data obtained from a survey of 3,005 adults aged 57 to 85-years-old concerning the regular use of prescription medications, OTC medications, and dietary supplements. The survey response rate was 75%. Results showed that 81% of respondents were taking at least 1 prescription medication, 42% were taking at least 1 OTC medication, and 49% were using a dietary supplement. Nearly a third of respondents (29%) were taking at least 5 prescription medications concurrently. Among those taking prescription medications, nearly half (46%) were also using OTC medications, and more than half (52%) were also taking dietary supplements.  

Worryingly, the researchers also found that 1 in 25, or 4%, of respondents were potentially at risk of a major drug-drug interaction. More than half of these potential interactions involved the use of OTC medications and dietary supplements, and nearly half involved the use of anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin, or antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin.

The authors concluded: "Our findings suggest that concurrent use of prescription and nonprescription medications in older adults remains a public health problem and could be an important focal point for further improvements in drug safety for seniors. Medications are a critical modality for prolongation of life and improved quality of life for many older adults. By establishing patterns of prescription and nonprescription medication use among older adults, these data may help support efforts to increase the safety and quality of pharmacotherapy for older adults."

Qato DM, Alexander GC, Conti RM, Johnson M, Schumm P, Tessler Lindau S. Use of Prescription and Over-the-counter Medications and Dietary Supplements Among Older Adults in the United States. JAMA. 2008;300(24):2867-2878.