Journal article
The High Prevalence and Complexity of Over-the-Counter Medication Misuse in Older Adults
Innovation in aging, Vol.8(10), p.igae083
2024
DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igae083
PMCID: PMC11511907
PMID: 39464723
Abstract
Background and Objectives
Older adults (≥65 years) are the largest consumers of over-the-counter (OTC) medications and exceptionally vulnerable to the risks of these medications, including adverse drug events (ADEs). However, little is known about how older adults select and use OTCs. This is the first multisite study designed to prospectively quantify the type and intended use of OTCs selected by older adults in community pharmacies where products are purchased.
Research Design and Methods
Older adults (n = 144) were recruited from 10 community pharmacies from a Midwestern health system. Participants were given hypothetical symptoms and asked to select one or more OTCs for self-treatment. They were asked to report how they would use the products at symptom onset and when symptoms persisted or worsened. They also reported their current medication list and health conditions. Participants’ OTC selections were evaluated for 4 types of misuse: drug-age, drug-drug, drug-disease, and drug-label.
Results
Of the 144 participants, 114 (79%) demonstrated at least one type of misuse when describing how they would use their OTC selections at symptom onset. Drug-drug and drug-label misuse had the highest prevalence. Overall, 26 (18%) and 28 (19%) participants showed only drug-drug or drug-label misuse, respectively. Notably, 55 (38%) of participants demonstrated misuse in 2 or more misuse categories. Misuse potential was exacerbated when participants described treating persistent or worsening symptoms.
Discussion and Implications
The results highlight the high prevalence and complexity of OTC misuse in older adults and the need for additional work to improve OTC safety.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The High Prevalence and Complexity of Over-the-Counter Medication Misuse in Older Adults
- Creators
- Jason S Chladek - University of Wisconsin–MadisonAaron M Gilson - University of Wisconsin–MadisonJamie A Stone - University of Wisconsin–MadisonMaria E Berbakov - University of Wisconsin–MadisonTaylor L Watterson - University of Illinois ChicagoElin C Lehnbom - University of Wisconsin–MadisonEmily L Hoffins - University of Wisconsin–MadisonKatherine A Hemesath - University of Wisconsin–MadisonJukrin Moon - University of IowaLauren L Welch - University of Wisconsin–MadisonDenise L Walbrandt Pigarelli - University of Wisconsin–MadisonEdward C Portillo - University of Wisconsin–MadisonStephanie M Resendiz - University of Wisconsin–MadisonShiying Mai - University of Wisconsin–MadisonMichelle A Chui - University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Innovation in aging, Vol.8(10), p.igae083
- DOI
- 10.1093/geroni/igae083
- PMID
- 39464723
- PMCID
- PMC11511907
- NLM abbreviation
- Innov Aging
- ISSN
- 2399-5300
- eISSN
- 2399-5300
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Grant note
- R18HS027737 / ; UL1TR002373; TL1TR002375; UL1TR002373 / ;
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 2024
- Academic Unit
- Industrial and Systems Engineering; Pharmacy Practice and Science
- Record Identifier
- 9984806498402771
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