Believe it or not, there is a list of meds a senior (greater than 75) person should avoid. The American Geriatric Society (AGS) has identified a list –Beers list (named after Dr. Beers) that can be used as a clinical tool by medical care providers. Consideration of benefits versus risks of those drugs on the list is especially helpful to providers who are not expert in the care of the elderly.
Medications are not safe for everyone, is the point the AGS wants to make. Gerontologists are medical specialists trained in the practice of health care for the elderly. While developed for professionals, it is easy for you to read. Take time and check it out. This list was last updated in 2015. My intent is to let you know it exists, informing that there are certain drugs that could make a condition worse due to interactions or side effects, and others that should be used with extreme caution.
In addition, as you act as your own advocate or on the behalf of others, your voicing knowledge of such a list may be invaluable. Remember, not all providers are gerontologists.
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