Common medication side effects are being mistaken for old age, research shows
Experts are reminding Australians some common medications have side effects that can be mistaken for the symptoms of old age or worsening of an existing condition.
It comes as preventable hospital admissions grow across the country.
A long-standing free federal government-funded program called Home Medicines Review is designed to bring awareness to the side effects of common medications that alleviate pain, depression, allergies and incontinence.
READ MORE: Incredible secret hidden beneath Antarctica's frozen grounds
Some of the common medications that people are mistaking the side effects for old age. 9News
Some common medications can create unintended problems called "anticholinergic effects".
"That includes things like dizziness, constipation, dry mouth, and also more serious health problems like falls leading to fractures, cognitive decline, and dementia," NPS MedicineWise's Dr Kate Annear said.
A survey of 1000 Australians found half did not know about these side effects.
These problems can become amplified when someone takes multiple medications.
"Many older people become confused if they're taking many medicines," pharmacist Sarah Gillespie said.
"Be aware that it may be their medicines that is causing the problem, not just getting older or a health condition that's getting worse," Annear said.
READ MORE: 'Seemed like goodbye': Mariupol defenders make their stand
NPS MedicineWise's Dr Kate Annear speaks on common medication side effects. 9News
About 250,000 hospital admissions each year are the result of problems with medication.
An estimated two-thirds of these cases are potentially preventable.
The Home Medicines Review is a program that can be accessed through a GP referral for a pharmacist to visit a patient at home and revise their medication.
READ MORE: Queensland braces for 'incredibly heavy rainfall' and flash flooding
Pharmacist Sarah Gillespie speaks on importance of the Home Medicines Review program. 9News
"If there was an increased awareness of the Home Medicines Review program we could reduce these hospitalisations," Gillespie said.
The program can inform those taking common medications of the side effects or prevent problems with medication before it escalates to hospital admission.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
Most viewed in Australia
Hastie rules out legal action against Hanson as bitter war of words escalates
‘Not one phone call, letter… nothing’: Family’s distress over huge ‘redevelopment’ project at famous Perth cemetery
Boxing coach’s shooting death not linked to gang feud, but police probe bikie links
‘Unimaginable loss’: Two children killed in horror crash on the way home from school
