A viral post claiming that certain medications “kill millions of elderly people” can be alarming. But medication safety is more complicated than a list of five drugs that everyone should stop taking.
Some medicines can increase cardiovascular risks in particular people, especially older adults or people who already have high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, or a history of stroke. The important point is that these medications should be reviewed with a doctor or pharmacist—not suddenly stopped. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Here are five medication categories that deserve particular attention.
1. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Common NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen.
These medicines are widely used for pain and inflammation, but the FDA warns that non-aspirin NSAIDs can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke. Risk can increase with higher doses and longer use. (FDA Access Data)
Older adults can also have a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding while using NSAIDs. (FDA Access Data)
Important: Don’t automatically stop a prescribed NSAID. Ask your healthcare professional whether the dose and duration are appropriate for you.
2. Certain Decongestants
Some cold and allergy medicines contain decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine.
Decongestants can raise blood pressure and heart rate, which can be particularly important for people with cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled hypertension. The FDA advises people with heart disease or high blood pressure to consult a healthcare professional before using certain decongestants. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Always check the active ingredients on combination cold medicines.
3. Aspirin When Used Without Medical Guidance
Aspirin is an unusual example because it can reduce cardiovascular events in some people while increasing serious bleeding risk in others.
For people who have already had certain heart attacks or strokes, aspirin may be an important part of treatment. But taking daily aspirin simply because you want to prevent a first heart attack isn’t appropriate for everyone.
The FDA says daily aspirin should be used for cardiovascular prevention only after discussing the benefits and risks with a healthcare professional. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
The American Heart Association also notes that for adults over 70, taking aspirin to prevent a first heart attack or stroke may cause more harm than benefit in some circumstances. (www.heart.org)
Never stop prescribed aspirin suddenly without asking your doctor.
4. Some Stimulant-Containing Medicines
Certain prescription and nonprescription medicines can increase heart rate or blood pressure.
This is particularly relevant for people who already have cardiovascular disease or hypertension. The risk depends heavily on the specific medication, dose, other medicines being taken, and the individual’s health.
That’s why older adults should have their complete medication list reviewed periodically rather than assuming that an over-the-counter product is automatically harmless.
5. Medicines That Can Interact With Cardiovascular Drugs
Sometimes the problem isn’t a medication by itself but the combination of medications.
For example, older adults are more likely to take several medicines at once, and age-related changes in kidney and liver function can alter how medications are processed. This increases the possibility of drug-drug or drug-condition interactions. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Even common pain medicines can interact with cardiovascular treatment. For example, the FDA warns that ibuprofen can interfere with aspirin’s antiplatelet effect when the two are taken together in certain circumstances. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
What Should Older Adults Do?
Instead of stopping medications because of a social-media warning, consider having a medication review with a doctor or pharmacist.
Bring a complete list of:
Prescription medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers
Cold and allergy medicines
Vitamins
Herbal supplements
Any medications taken only occasionally
The FDA specifically recommends that older adults take medications according to professional instructions and not stop prescribed medicines without consulting a healthcare professional. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
When to Seek Emergency Help
If someone taking medication develops chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, sudden confusion, or trouble speaking, seek emergency medical attention immediately. These can be signs of a heart attack or stroke.
The Bottom Line
There isn’t a universal list of five medications that every older person should stop taking. The risks and benefits depend on the individual and the reason the medication was prescribed.
Some medications—including NSAIDs and certain decongestants—can present cardiovascular concerns in susceptible people, while aspirin can be beneficial for some patients and harmful for others.
If you’re concerned about a medication, don’t stop it based on a viral post. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review it with you.
