Need a PDF? Available in Other Languages: Spanish Because older adults often have long-term health conditions that require treatment with multiple medications, there is a greater chance of experiencing unwanted drug side effects. Older people can also be more sensitive to certain medications. To help you make better-informed decisions about your medications, and to lower your chances of overmedication and serious drug reactions, the American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation recommends that older people be cautious about using the following types of medications, including some that can be purchased without a prescription (over-the-counter). If you are taking any of these medications, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Do not stop taking any medication without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Last Updated January 2019 What is safest blood thinner for the elderly?Once established on treatment and monitored closely, warfarin is safe in elderly patients with AF.
What are the most common side effects of blood thinners?Side effects Anticoagulant medicines. passing blood in your urine.. passing blood when you poo or having black poo.. severe bruising.. prolonged nosebleeds (lasting longer than 10 minutes). vomiting blood or coughing up blood.. sudden severe back pain.. difficulty breathing or chest pain.. What is the life expectancy of someone on blood thinners?The mean life expectancy after diagnosis of NVAF was 43.3 months. In a Kaplan‐Meier analysis, patients who were treated with warfarin had a mean life expectancy of 52.0 months, whereas those who were not treated with warfarin had a corresponding life expectancy of 38.2 months (Δ = 13.8 months, p < 0.001) (fig 1).
Should seniors take blood thinners?Warfarin and other blood thinners are often prescribed to prevent strokes for patients with afib, but for older adults, clinicians need to be aware of the potential harms. Taking direct anticoagulants increases the risk of stomach and brain bleeds in older adults, events that can be particularly harmful after a fall.
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