Health experts have sounded the alarm for Brits who are on multiple medications - following revelations that half of people are oblivious to the potentially dangerous side effects. Research from TakingCare shows that 50 per cent of Brits are in the dark about the side effects of the mix of medicines they're taking, with common drugs for ailments like high blood pressure , heart issues and blood sugar regulation all flagged as having potential life-threatening side effects. Given that the average 70 year old in the UK pops around eight pills a day, the elderly are at a heightened risk of experiencing severe side effects.
Lauren Frake, Elderly Care Expert at TakingCare, has joined forces with Peter Thnoia, prescribing pharmacist and the chief product and innovation officer at PillTime, to provide advice on the usual medicine combinations that could be fatal for the older generation. Furosemide/indapamide and metformin - severe dehydration and low blood pressure "Medication used for heart conditions such as heart failure or high blood pressure, for example furosemide or indapamide, can cause rapid drops in blood pressure and require the patient to maintain a steady water intake," Peter explains. "For example, if an elderly person taking one of these medications finds themselves sweating more than normal, they may quickly reach a state where their blood pressure is very low and which will drastically increase their chance of a fall.
These types of tablets are taken by around 30% .