Tag: Adverse drug events

The prevalence of polypharmacy (taking five or more medications) in elderly populations is estimated to be 41% [1.4.1]. This high medication use is a primary reason why older adults are the population group most prone to drug-drug interactions, which can lead to significant harm [1.2.1].

Overdose rates from opioids among adults aged 65 and older increased significantly from 2021 to 2022, highlighting the critical dangers associated with these drugs in this population. It is crucial for healthcare providers and families to understand why opioids should be avoided in the elderly unless absolutely necessary and used with extreme caution.

Nearly 5% of hospitalized patients experience an adverse drug event (ADE), making it one of the most common inpatient harms [1.5.6]. Many of these events are linked to a specific category of drugs, which raises the question: **what are considered high risk meds?**

Adverse drug events (ADEs) involving anticoagulants lead to an estimated 1.5 million emergency department visits each year [1.2.3]. This statistic underscores why medical experts ask, 'Are anticoagulants a high-alert medication?' The answer is a definitive yes, due to their potential for causing significant patient harm [1.2.4, 1.3.1].

Adverse drug events (ADEs) are projected to be the third leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for over 250,000 deaths annually [1.6.6]. A key part of this issue involves understanding what is considered a high risk medication: a drug with a heightened potential to cause significant patient harm if used in error [1.2.2, 1.2.5].

Preventable adverse drug events (ADEs) associated with injectable medications impact an estimated 1.2 million hospitalizations annually in the U.S. [1.8.2]. Understanding **what are some examples of contraindications** is a critical step in preventing such harmful medication errors and ensuring patient safety.

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a significant public health issue, with some studies suggesting they are the 4th leading cause of death, ahead of diabetes and accidents [1.5.4]. Understanding contraindications is key to prevention. So, **what is a restrictive contraindication?** It's a specific caution in medicine.

Contrary to popular belief, a true drug allergy is relatively rare, accounting for only 5% to 10% of all adverse drug reactions. When your body seemingly rejects medicine, the issue is more often a non-immune adverse effect or intolerance, though a true allergic reaction is also possible and can be severe.

According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), although errors may not be more common with high-alert medications, the consequences of a mistake can be devastating. A key example of a high risk medicine is insulin, known for its heightened risk of causing significant patient harm, such as severe hypoglycemia, when used incorrectly.

Multiple studies have shown that intravenous (IV) cefepime can undergo physical and chemical degradation when mixed with other common medications and solutions. Understanding what is cefepime not compatible with is critical for healthcare professionals to prevent medication errors and ensure patient safety during drug administration.