Last year through Partners in Health UpdateSM, we provided you with information about high-risk medications (HRM) and the increased potential for side effects in adults ages 65 and older. HRMs are more likely to be responsible for adverse drug events, and there is an even greater risk when a patient is on more than one HRM.
Quick reference guide
Each year, Independence creates a High-Risk Medication Quick Reference Guide using information from the American Geriatric Society?s Beer's Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults and the Pharmacy Quality Alliance?s Use of High-Risk Medications in the Elderly. The 2017 High-Risk Medication Quick Reference Guide is now available for your reference.
This guide includes select HRMs that are frequently prescribed for individuals ages 65 and older and lists potential therapeutic alternatives for your consideration in place of the HRM for the management of common conditions. Independence respects your professional judgment and appreciates that any decision to prescribe a particular medication is at your discretion, presumably after a discussion of the risks and benefits with your patient.
The guide is also available via the NaviNet® web portal in the Administrative Tools & Resources section under Pharmacy Resources. Hard copies can be ordered by submitting an online request or by calling the Provider Supply Line at 1-800-858-4728.