Seniors: Reconsider THESE medications

Did you know that the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) publishes a list of potentially inappropriate medications for older adults, aged 65 and older? 

(If I were the head of that society, the list would be a mile long!) 

They update the list every three years. So, today and tomorrow, I’m going to work through some of their most recent additions—and provide my thoughts. 

Many factors at play 

It’s a great idea to publish a list like this, as drug therapy for older adults is a totally different ball game compared to younger folks.  

For one, drugs will act differently depending on key factors—including age, health status, other medications, and more.   

Not to mention, not many physicians take their patients off a medication, which is a huge piece of the safety puzzle—especially as you age. 

In fact, it bewilders me when patients see me for the first time and share a medication list similar in length to what I used to write for Santa Claus 

Of course, as I work my way through the list, I often found it includes a lot of older drugs that are hardly prescribed anymore.  

But I guess that isn’t too surprising. After all, why would they go after Big Pharma’s big money makers? 

Nonetheless, let’s take a look… 

Heart of the matter 

First up: Nifedipine, a calcium-channel blocker. 

This drug is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), chest pain, and other cardiac abnormalities. 

However, it’s potentially dangerous to older adults—and the AGS states it should be avoided, as taking it can increase risk of low blood pressure and heart attacks.  

(Even when I was in medical training, this drug lost its appeal. So, I have to wonder: Why is it still manufactured and prescribed? Here again, if a supplement was linked to potential heart-health risks like this, it wouldn’t be on the market.) 

Next, we have amiodarone. This drug is used to treat an irregular heartbeat (arrythmia). And your doc might prescribe it if you have atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) or heart failure. 

But it’s linked to multiple toxicities—and could even cause liver failure!  

Here again, the AGS says there’s strong evidence to avoid this medication. And I agree. (It’s a terrible drug!) 

And to conclude our discussion for today, let’s look at warfarin for blood clots (and A-Fib). (Or rat poison. Yep, it was initially marketed as a rodenticide!)  

This is one that the AGS didn’t get quite right… because they should warn older adults to AVOID it at all costs! (They only suggest avoiding as an initial therapy. While stating it might be reasonable to continue if you’ve been on the drug long-term.) 

I’m not exaggerating when I say this is a drug that I’ve railed against my entire career. I’ve taken so many people off of it. Why? 

It lacks clinical efficacy… and “warfarin toxicity” is common (when your body doesn’t absorb the drug effectively and, therefore, you have too much in your body).  

If you, or someone you love, is taking any of these drugs, I urge you to discuss its safety profile and necessity to your health with your doctor. In addition, be sure to check out my Ultimate Heart-Protection Protocol for safer alternatives. 

Sources:  

“American Geriatrics Society Updated Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults.” Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2012. (doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2012.03923.x) 

“Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults.” Guideline Central, 05/16/2023. (guidelinecentral.com/guideline/340784/)