For the majority of people, health problems increase in frequency as they grow older. It requires a large number of medications, each with its own set of instructions and possible side effects, to address such health concerns.
As a result, the AGS Beers Criteria (also known as the Beers list) was developed by the American Geriatrics Society. The Beers list divides medicine into five types:
- Medications deemed “possibly inappropriate” for seniors
- Drugs that may be harmful to older persons with specific common health issues
- Medications to be taken with caution in seniors
- Medications that can cause hazardous “drug-drug” interactions
- Drugs to avoid or alter doses in kidney failure patients
Remember that doctors may occasionally prescribe a drug from the Beers list. That’s because the list cannot cover all situations or health concerns.
As a compounding pharmacy in New Jersey, we recommend that when doctors prescribe a drug found on the Beers list, you trust their reasoning because they are the medical experts.
Your goal as your loved one’s support should be to coordinate with the doctors and pharmacy staff to learn more about a drug’s purpose, potential adverse effects, and interactions to avoid problems.
It’s our goal at Prescription Center Pharmacy, a retail pharmacy in Union City, New Jersey, to educate our customers about their drugs and equip them with the tools they need to take charge of their health through education.
