NPA: Older people should consult pharmacists over side effect concerns
29 June 2011 00:00 in Pharmacy / Pharmacist News
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has highlighted the role pharmacists can play in addressing concerns older people may have about the possible side effects of drugs.
Responding to a recent study suggesting that certain drugs could be linked to an elevated risk of cognitive impairment and death in older people, the organisation called on those concerned to continue taking their prescribed medication.
It noted that no individual product is likely to cause a problem, stressing that the research was discussing the cumulative effect of taking multiple medicines.
The NPA therefore stated that pharmacies can help to provide guidance on what possible risks patients' medication may carry, as well as which drug combinations should be avoided.
Leyla Hannbeck, head of information at the NPA, said: "Many older people also go to their pharmacy for a free Medicines Use Review which gives them an opportunity to talk with the pharmacist, in private and in detail about their medicines use."
Earlier this month, the organisation called for community pharmacies to sign up for a new Healthy Living Pharmacies scheme that will allow them to offer an expanded range of services.
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