These 3 frequently prescribed medications judged "at risk" : experts warn!

But now a report has come to sow doubt. Three of the most common medications used by older people are now subject to a severe warning. Between serious side effects, questionable effectiveness and sometimes automatic prescriptions, the warning is clear: it’s time to keep an eye out for what’s hidden in your pillbox.

Why are these drugs attracting attention?

You probably don’t imagine that certain medications, although commonplace in seniors’ prescriptions, could constitute a real health trap. However, the alert is serious: the 60 Million Consumers association has identified three “everyday” treatments, widely used for symptoms such as nausea, reflux or nausea in the elderly, and now considered to present serious risks.

According to the article, these treatments can be responsible for “ventricular arrhythmias”, “sudden cardiac death” and serious neurological disorders. In addition, the UFC-Que Choisir association and the Prescrire magazine have also mobilized to warn of their danger, particularly among children and seniors.

The three drugs concerned: names, uses, alerts

Here’s what to remember:

• Domperidone (trade names: Motilium, Peridys, Oroperidys): a treatment for nausea and vomiting.
• Metoclopramide (Anausin, Primperan, Prokinyl): used for digestive disorders, nausea, vomiting.
• Metopimazine (Vogalene, Vogalib): frequently prescribed anti-nausea treatment.

The article specifies that “these 3 medications should only be administered as a last resort”.

The alert is reinforced by the fact that “they have not shown an effectiveness justifying their use”.

What does this mean for you (or a loved one)?

If you are elderly or you accompany an elderly person, this means that it is urgent to ask the right questions:

• Why was this medication prescribed?
• Is there a less risky alternative?
• Are the dosage and duration appropriate for an elderly profile (slowed metabolism, reduced kidney or liver function)?
• Has specific monitoring been put in place to monitor side effects?

Seniors are exposed to a double risk: on the one hand, a slower elimination of the drug, on the other hand, increased fragility in the face of adverse effects. Previous studies show that “from five medications, the risk of medication accidents increases considerably.”

Update on side effects and contested effectiveness

The Cosmopolitan article highlights serious effects: “Accused of increasing the risk of ventricular arrhythmia, sudden cardiac death and neurological disorders.”

Another central point: these treatments are called into question in terms of effectiveness: “in addition to the alarming side effects… they have not shown an effectiveness justifying their use”.

This means that beyond the risks, the clinical benefit could be limited, which calls for caution.

What professionals and authorities recommend

In order to limit the dangers among seniors, several guidelines should be remembered:

• Prescribe at the “lowest effective dose and reassess patients to identify opportunities to discontinue treatment.”
• Prioritize a global approach (medication + lifestyle + regular monitoring) and limit systematic prescription.
• Make “de-prescription” (gradual reduction or cessation of unnecessary or risky medications) a guideline in prescriptions for older people.

The message is clear: what may seem trivial at 30 or 60 years old can radically change in nature at 80 or 85 years old. Before resuming a prescription “as usual”, take the time to question yourself, question it, and perhaps consider a safer alternative.

FAQs

1. What are the trade names of the drugs being singled out?
The drugs affected are domperidone (Motilium, Peridys, Oroperidys), metoclopramide (Anausin, Primperan, Prokinyl) and metopimazine (Vogalene, Vogalib).

2. Why are these medications considered dangerous for older people?
They are associated with serious side effects, including ventricular arrhythmias, risk of sudden cardiac death, and neurological disorders. The slower metabolism of seniors increases these risks.

3. Are they still authorized in pharmacies?
Yes, these drugs are still marketed, but they are only recommended as a last resort, and for very short periods of time. Their use must be strictly regulated, particularly among the elderly.

4. Are there safer alternatives?
According to expert recommendations, non-drug approaches or lighter treatments should be considered as a priority. It is essential to discuss this with a healthcare professional before making any treatment changes.

5. What should you do if an elderly loved one takes one of these medications?
It is advisable to make an appointment with your doctor to review the prescription, consider de-prescribing or adjust the treatment according to your age, history and general health.

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