Missed medication in older people: what are the risks?

“I forgot to take it this morning.” A harmless sentence, but one that can have serious consequences. Missed medication is a major public health problem among older people.

The scale of the problem

According to the WHO, around 50% of patients with chronic illnesses don’t take their treatment correctly. Among older people on multiple medications (5 or more a day), this figure can reach 70%. Non-adherence is responsible for many avoidable hospitalisations.

The concrete risks

For a diabetic, missing insulin can cause dangerous hyperglycaemia. For a patient on anticoagulants, a missed dose raises the risk of stroke. For someone with hypertension, irregular treatment cancels its protective effects. Our detailed article on the consequences by condition goes deeper. Each condition has its specific risks, but the common denominator is clear: irregular dosing worsens the illness.

The dangerous “catch-up”

Faced with a missed dose, some patients take a double dose at the next meal. This practice is dangerous for many medications, notably anticoagulants, glucose-lowering drugs and drugs with a narrow therapeutic margin. When a dose is missed, the general rule is to take it as soon as you remember, unless the next dose is close.

How to address it

The solution lies in simplifying the treatment (ask the doctor to group doses), using a pre-prepared pill organiser, and setting up automatic reminders. For patients with cognitive decline, a system suited to Alzheimer’s is recommended. Involving the family or a caregiver who can check remotely is a key success factor.