[Discontinuation of prophylactic drugs to the elderly].
Polypharmacy is common among the elderly and consequences may be adverse drug reactions, interactions and toxicity. At the same time it is well documented that elderly patients are suboptimally treated for conditions such as atrial fibrillation and osteoporosis. When assessing medical treatment one must take into account the remaining life expectancy, time to effect, complication risk related to not treating, risks related to adverse drug effects and interactions, patient preferences and treatment goals.
Kristjansson
Siri Rostoft
SR
Geriatrisk avdeling, Oslo universitetssykehus, Ullevål 0407, Oslo, Norway. sirikristjansson@gmail.com
Wyller
Torgeir Bruun
TB
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004363:Drug Utilization; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008297:Male; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019338:Polypharmacy; D012307:Risk Factors; D028761:Withholding Treatment
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations