Article Library
The Gut Microbiome and the Influence of Non-Antibiotic Medication
In a previous article, I discussed the profound effects that antibiotics have on the gut microbiome. Other medications greatly influence the microbiota, as well. One of the most widely-used medications is the proton pump inhibitor (PPI). In fact, in 2013 esomeprazole (Nexium, also known as “the purple pill”) was the second largest revenue-making drug in the United States.
Why should antibiotic stewardship be important to the patient?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antibiotics have advanced medical care by treating previously known fatal conditions and extending life. Yet, the inappropriate use of these medications can contribute to antibiotic resistance, adverse risks (like C. diff), longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and negatively affect population health [1]. In fact, antibiotic resistance can be a factor to medical harm, causing 2 million infections and 23,000 deaths annually [2]. Judicious use of antibiotics is therefore important, yet the CDC relates that 30% of prescribing in both inpatient and outpatient settings are not necessary [1, 2].
Prescription use among senior adults
Taking medications seems like a very natural responsibility as part of aging. In fact, most seniors take a prescription drug. Adults over 65 are the largest age group to take medications, due to the amount of health concerns that people acquire [1].
Medication Risk: Becoming an Informed Healthcare Consumer
Medication safety is paramount when considering one’s overall health. Many professional and federal organizations outline details on their websites (such as the FDA and CDC). The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) explains that with improvements in available therapeutics, there are corresponding risks
Medical Error
Heart disease and cancer have consistently been named the first and second leading causes of death by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Yet many are not aware that medical error is number three! The CDC publishes a list of top causes of death for the public, yet medical error is not listed among them. The mechanism of reporting a death is not a straightforward one. Because causes of death are assigned to an International Classification of Disease (ICD) code on the death certificate, human error is not captured. In this manner, the public is not aware that underlying causes of death may actually exist. To delve into this issue further, the medical literature must be scrutinized.
Sacred Cows
I first heard of the expression “sacred cow” when I started my nursing career. The phrase happened to be a hot topic at the time. I have to admit, I had never heard of the term. “What does a cow have to do with nursing?” I would wonder. I laughed a little at myself when I finally comprehended why this saying was used. Sacred cows are deeply held traditions that are done without question.