| Drug Use Concern for Seniors - 22 March 2010 |
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Seniors Week (21 to 28 March 2010) is an ideal time for older Australians to take stock of what medications they may be taking, and make themselves and carers aware of correct dosages, repeat scripts, and expiry dates.
”Research has shown that older Australians are most at risk of side-effects from multi-drug use,” said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA), Mr David Templeman. “This includes interactions between prescription drugs, over-the-counter remedies, including herbal supplements such as St John’s Wart, and especially when consumed with alcohol.” Nearly 800 000 Australians over 65 are taking more than five different types of medication daily. This does not include their use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. “With over 140 000 adverse drug events requiring hospital admission every year, costing an estimated $380 million per annum, Seniors Week is an ideal opportunity to talk to a doctor, pharmacist, or other health care practitioner about medication management and other drugs,” Mr Templeman said. “The rise in adverse drug interactions highlights the pressing need for healthcare reform that delivers real integration within the health and wellbeing sector. The reform recently announced by the Federal Government has been welcomed by ADCA. However, we are waiting for an explanation from Government detailing how this reform will deliver a comprehensive healthcare system that places wellness and preventative care at the forefront of its agenda.” The Intergenerational Report issued in January 2010 by the Treasurer highlights the need to have systems in place to assist our population especially when the proportion of people over 65 doubles, and those over 85 will quadruple between now and 2050. “It is vital that the proposed eHealth scheme and the Healthcare Identifiers Service are properly integrated, providing continuity of care through both acute (hospital) and the non-acute and community care settings,” Mr Templeman said. “The alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector is concerned that the long-term impact of alcohol, illicit drug use and increasing levels of prescription drug use, may add an unexpected burden on Australia’s healthcare budget.” Media Enquiries: Brian Flanagan, Strategic Communications and Policy Phone 02 6215 9802 or 0400 860 058 |
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