Older people constitute between 13% to 20% of the population of developed countries. They use more than 30% of prescribed medicines, and more than 40% of over the counter medicines. Moreover, in some countries, they account for up to 60% of total pharmaceutical expenditure. In addition, the percentage of older subjects who take several medicines is high and on the increase. Older people also have the highest risk to develop Adverse Drug Events (ADEs). In Europe, ADEs cause 20% of physicians visits as well as up to 30% of hospital admission in older people. Despite the above, older people are still generally excluded from clinical trials. As a result medicines are not developed for their specific use in older people.
In February 2011, the European Medicines launched a strategy on geriatric medicines to cover these issues, which was welcomed by a high number of organisations. Beyond this strategy, other challenges are also to be taken on board and were discussed during the meeting.
Ms. Lynne, MEP and co-chair of the Intergroup on Ageing and Intergenerational solidarity concluded the meeting.
- Meeting Agenda
- Full report of the meeting (drafted by Christine Marking for EUGMS)
Speaker presentations:
- Francesca Cerreta, European Medicines Agency
- Antonio Cherubini, EUGMS
- Božidar Voljč, Vice chair of the HEG at the AGE Platform Europe
- Gary Mills, PREDICT Project
- Heidi Goethals, Belgian Christian Mutuelle
- Barbro Westerholm, Member of the Swedish Parliament
Remark: an exhaustive report + other presentations will follow.
More information is available here: AGE Press release 25.02.2011 AGE warmly welcomes EMA new geriatric medicines strategy!
Contact person: Maude Luherne, AGE Platform Europe, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Last Updated on Tuesday, 28 June 2011 11:55
