Adverse Drug Reaction Occurrence in Elderly Women

Abstract

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) can occur with any patient, with any drug, and at an time. Premarketing clinical testing of phamacotherapy often excludes subgroups of patients such as the eldery , women, and/or children. Thus, it becomes crucial to monitoring use in these groups for ADR occurrence after they reach the market. This paper outlines a series of ADRs occurring in elderly female patients which were reported to a statewide reporting program. Caregivers need to be aware of ADRs and their impact upon patients. Behavioral changes and/or other changes in functioning may be attributable to the drug therapy of elderly women and not necessarily to the women themselves.