In-Home Caretakers Need to be Aware of Dangerous Medications and Medical Devices
Even though prescription drugs and medical devices can treat a wide variety of illnesses and conditions
quite effectively, some of these products can have dangerous side effects that can harm or even kill
people.
While each person may react differently to medications and medical devices, there are some products
that patients and caregivers need to be aware of.
Some painkillers, newer drugs that treat diabetes, and certain types of hip implants are of particular
concern. Caretakers should discuss the risks with their patients and possibly with doctors, as well.
Tylenol
Even though Tylenol (acetaminophen) is commonly used to treat fevers and relieve pain, there are also
potential dangers.
Overdosing on Tylenol can lead to acute liver failure. Overdosing can occur unintentionally when
multiple products that contain Tylenol are taken at the same time.
More recently, Tylenol was linked to serious skin conditions.
It’s important for caregivers to help their patients organize their medications and double-check the
active ingredients in each one.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that people take certain measures to keep track of which
drugs they are taking:
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Keep a list of medicines
Follow directions
Ask questions
Keep up with blood testing recommended by a doctor
Take painkillers, antibiotics and all medications only as directed
Diabetes Medications
Many seniors have diabetes. In fact, people older than 65 make up more than a quarter of the cases in
the United States. Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common form of the disease.
Since caregivers are likely to be caring for someone with diabetes, they need to be aware of the
possible risks. The following drugs have been linked to serious side effects ranging from bladder cancer
to pancreatic cancer:
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Actos
Byetta & Bydureon
Januvia & Janumet
Victoza
Caregivers should talk to their patients and their doctors about these prescription medications, and
learn which side effects to watch for.
Hip Devices
More than 300,000 total hip replacements are performed each year, which means caregivers need to be
familiar with hip implants.
Hip implants can be made from several different types of materials. One type of implant – called metalon-metal – can cause serious complications. Several metal hips have been recalled.
They can cause early failure of the hip and even lead to metal poisoning in patients. Manufacturers like
DePuy and Stryker are facing lawsuits over their metal implants.
The FDA has alerted caretakers and patients about the safety risks associated with metal-on-metal
devices. Caretakers should encourage their patients to ask their surgeons about which type of implant
will be used in their surgery.
Jennifer Mesko is the managing editor of Drugwatch.com, a consumer advocacy website. She aims to
keep the public informed about dangerous prescription drugs and defective medical devices.