The American journal of geriatric pharmacotherapy
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Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · Dec 2012
ReviewAdverse effects of analgesics commonly used by older adults with osteoarthritis: focus on non-opioid and opioid analgesics.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of disability in older adults, and although analgesic use can be helpful, it can also result in adverse drug events. ⋯ Acetaminophen is the mainstay frontline analgesic for treating OA-related pain in older adults. NSAIDs should be limited to short-term use only, and for moderate to severe OA-related pain, opioids may be preferable in individuals without substance abuse or dependence issues.
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Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · Dec 2012
Effect of combination fluticasone propionate and salmeterol or inhaled corticosteroids on asthma-related outcomes in a Medicare-eligible population.
National asthma treatment guidelines recommend either the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) or ICS in combination with a long-acting bronchodilator for the treatment of moderate to severe asthma. Even though asthma is common among older adults, few studies have assessed the differences in effectiveness between these two recommended therapies in patients over 65 years of age. ⋯ In Medicare-eligible asthma patients, FSC use was associated with lower rates of asthma-related serious exacerbations compared with ICS.
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Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · Oct 2012
Racial and ethnic disparities in Alzheimer's disease pharmacotherapy exposure: an analysis across four state Medicaid populations.
Treatment disparities in Alzheimer's disease (AD) have received little attention. Determining whether disparities exist in this subpopulation is an important health policy issue. ⋯ Disparities in AD pharmacotherapy exposure among minority populations are just as prevalent, if not of greater magnitude, than minority/white disparities.
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Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · Aug 2012
Anticholinergic drugs and functional outcomes in older patients undergoing orthopaedic rehabilitation.
Medications with anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) effects negatively affect physical and cognitive function in community-dwelling older patients. However, it is unknown if anticholinergic drugs exert detrimental effects in older patients undergoing rehabilitation. ⋯ Higher anticholinergic drug exposure on admission independently predicts reduced functional outcomes, but not length of stay, in older patients undergoing orthopaedic rehabilitation.
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Am J Geriatr Pharmacother · Jun 2012
Association of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease maintenance medication adherence with all-cause hospitalization and spending in a Medicare population.
Although maintenance medications are a cornerstone of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management, adherence remains suboptimal. Poor medication adherence is implicated in poor outcomes with other chronic conditions; however, little is understood regarding links between adherence and outcomes in COPD patients. ⋯ COPD patients with higher adherence to prescribed regimens experienced fewer hospitalizations and lower Medicare costs than those who exhibited lower adherence behaviors. Findings suggested the clinical and economic importance of medication adherence in the management of COPD patients in the Medicare population.