Some Nursing Homes Overprescribing Powerful Antipsychotic Drugs
Forbes had an eye-opening report last month about nursing home residents being given powerful antipsychotic drugs despite concerns over them being inappropriate and dangerous.
According to Forbes, residents are being given drugs used to treat diseases such as schizophrenia, even though they are dementia patients who need only to be calmed.
The news service reported, “In March, 2012, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services kicked off an effort aimed at reducing nursing home use of antipsychotic drugs from nearly 24 percent to about 20 percent by the end of that year.”
However, a year later, nearly 21 percent of residents, or an estimated 300,000 people, are still receiving these drugs, which include Depacon, Depakote, Depakote CP, Depakote ER, Depakene or Stavzor, as well as Risperdal, Zyprexa and Seroquel.
These drugs have been linked to high blood pressure, insomnia, increased liver enzymes, hyperthyroidism and diabetic ketoacidosis.
Looking for an Attorney that Handles Nursing Home Abuse or Negligence?
Although it is not illegal to prescribe drugs for unapproved uses, it may not be ethical. As Forbes reported, “Many [healthcare providers] find it easy to manage anxiety, confusion, or behavioral issues of their residents with drugs. It is, for too many facilities, a convenient solution even though most research shows few benefits for residents and many risks.”
Aside from death, prescription drug complications can result in serious personal injuries, especially if they interact with other medications or are overprescribed.
If you have a loved one that has been injured because of nursing home abuse or negligence, like a prescription misfill or error, contact our firm for a free consultation. We have obtained multi-million settlements and verdicts for our clients.
According to Forbes, residents are being given drugs used to treat diseases such as schizophrenia, even though they are dementia patients who need only to be calmed.
The news service reported, “In March, 2012, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services kicked off an effort aimed at reducing nursing home use of antipsychotic drugs from nearly 24 percent to about 20 percent by the end of that year.”
However, a year later, nearly 21 percent of residents, or an estimated 300,000 people, are still receiving these drugs, which include Depacon, Depakote, Depakote CP, Depakote ER, Depakene or Stavzor, as well as Risperdal, Zyprexa and Seroquel.
These drugs have been linked to high blood pressure, insomnia, increased liver enzymes, hyperthyroidism and diabetic ketoacidosis.
Looking for an Attorney that Handles Nursing Home Abuse or Negligence?
Although it is not illegal to prescribe drugs for unapproved uses, it may not be ethical. As Forbes reported, “Many [healthcare providers] find it easy to manage anxiety, confusion, or behavioral issues of their residents with drugs. It is, for too many facilities, a convenient solution even though most research shows few benefits for residents and many risks.”
Aside from death, prescription drug complications can result in serious personal injuries, especially if they interact with other medications or are overprescribed.
If you have a loved one that has been injured because of nursing home abuse or negligence, like a prescription misfill or error, contact our firm for a free consultation. We have obtained multi-million settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Adams Law Firm, P.C. – Rockland County Nursing Home Attorneys
Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/howardgleckman/2013/11/20/dementia-patients-still-getting-dangerous-antipsychotic-drugs-in-nursing-homes/ 