Reassess if Dementia Meds Are Needed Since Many Patients DON'T Benefit

November 2014

You'll see more focus on "backing off" of chronic meds in some elderly patients...to reduce adverse events and med-related problems.

Consider a "less is more" approach to drug therapy for patients with declining health or limited life expectancy.

Explain that reducing med burden and improving quality of life may be more important than trying to prevent long-term complications.

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Table of Contents

Vaccines Give Seniors TWO Pneumococcal Vaccines
Acute Pain Recommend Acetaminophen PLUS an NSAID Instead of an Opioid for Acute Pain
COPD Don't Be Surprised if Some Stable COPD Patients Stop Inhaled Steroids
Migraine Avoid Opioids and Fiorinal in Migraine
Oral Health Don't Use Chlorhexidine for Oral Mucositis
Geriatrics Reassess if Dementia Meds Are Needed Since Many Patients DON'T Benefit
Antithrombotics Suggest Eliquis or Xarelto Over Pradaxa for Treating VTE
Antithrombotics Caution About Using Fluoxetine or Fluvoxamine With Warfarin
Antiepileptics Watch for Contraception Interactions with New Antiepileptics
Obesity & Weight Loss Don't Combine Weight Loss Agent Contrave With Opioids
Storage & Disposal Don't Handle Controlled Meds Brought to Collection Receptacles
Practice how to safely care for patients with Ebola in U.S. hospitals
Infectious Diseases Identify Inappropriate Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Use
Opioids Consider Clonidine for Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Neurology & Pain Explain How Exparel Compares to Other Local Anesthetics for Post-Op Pain