Medications Putting You at Risk? What You—and Your Loved Ones After Age 50—Need to Watch For

If you’re over 50, there’s a good chance you’re taking more medications than you were in your 30s or 40s. And that means your risk for drug side effects and dangerous interactions goes up—often without warning.

More than 40% of older Americans routinely take five or more prescription medications, and nearly 1 in 5 take 10 or more, according to a 2020 report by the nonpartisan Lown Institute. When over-the-counter drugs and supplements are included, the percentage of older adults taking five or more pills — a practice known as polypharmacy — rises to 67%.

Most medications are safe when used properly. But as your body changes with age, so does the way it handles prescriptions. Add in multiple medications—known as polypharmacy—and the risk of complications rises sharply, especially for those in assisted living or nursing homes.

Knowing the warning signs and how to manage them could save your life—or your loved one’s.

Your Body Changes How it Processes Drugs After 50

As you age, the way your body metabolizes medicine slows down. This means drugs stay in your system longer, sometimes building up to unsafe levels even when taken correctly.

Here’s why medication becomes riskier after 50:

• Kidney and liver function declines, reducing how well drugs are filtered
• Body fat increases, which can store certain drugs longer
• Lower water content in the body concentrates medications in the bloodstream
• Increased brain sensitivity can amplify side effects like confusion or drowsiness

What worked for you in your 40s might be too strong in your 70s,” said Dr. Rachel Moore, a geriatric medicine specialist. “And taking multiple prescriptions only adds to the risk.

Common Side Effects—and Serious Warning Signs

Many side effects are minor, like nausea or fatigue. But for older adults, even small reactions can lead to bigger problems, such as falls, dehydration, or hospitalization.

Watch for red flags that require immediate medical help:

• Trouble breathing or chest pain
• Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
• Severe rashes, blisters, or peeling skin
• Sudden confusion, agitation, or hallucinations
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Loss of consciousness or seizures

If you or your loved one shows any of these signs, seek emergency care immediately and contact your physician.

Expected side effects appear on the medicine packet or leaflet. They are usually to be found in the stages of clinical trials prior to a drug obtaining drug registration approval in most nations. Rare or delayed side effects often become known only after a medication has been prescribed to a large number of people over an extended period.

Drug Interactions: A Hidden Threat

More than half of adults over 65 take five or more medications every day. The more drugs you take, the more likely they’ll interact—sometimes dangerously.

Preeti Malani, M.D., a Michigan Medicine physician specializing in geriatrics and infectious diseases, says every older adult should keep an up-to-date list of all the medications they take — whether prescribed or purchased over the counter and share it with all their doctors and pharmacists.

Not only may they spot potential risks, but the computer systems that they use to track your care might identify potential interactions.

Talk with your pharmacist regularly to review your medication list. They can flag possible interactions before they turn into emergencies.

Managing Mild Side Effects at Home

If your side effects are minor, these steps may help:

• Take medicine with food to ease nausea or upset stomach
• Stay hydrated to help your body process medication
• Adjust timing (morning vs. evening) to manage drowsiness or insomnia
• Avoid alcohol or known food triggers
• Ask your doctor if a lower dose or different drug might work better

Never stop prescribed medication without speaking with your doctor, even if symptoms seem mild.

If Your Loved One is in Assisted Living or a Nursing Home

Long-term care facilities have systems in place to protect residents from medication-related harm. But no system is perfect, and family involvement matters.

Here’s how most facilities handle drug safety:

• Licensed nurses administer medications and monitor for side effects
• Regular reviews by a pharmacist help reduce or eliminate unnecessary prescriptions
• Detailed documentation tracks changes in mood, appetite, or behavior
• Staff training helps detect subtle signs of adverse reactions
• Communication with families and physicians ensures that changes are explained and adjusted appropriately

Top facilities will track even small changes in a resident, like confusion or loss of balance, as they’re often the first signs of a medication problem.

If you are looking for a quality long-term care facility for your loved one, use the LTC News Caregiver Directory. It has the largest database of caregivers and facilities in the country and is free to use.

As a family member, ask the facility:

• How often is medication reviewed?
• What happens when a new drug is added?
• How are residents monitored for side effects?

A Long-Term Care Insurance policy can help pay for higher-quality care that includes medication monitoring and coordination—critical for older adults with complex prescriptions.

If your loved one has a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, make sure to inform the facility when you visit. Many higher-quality facilities prioritize residents with LTC coverage, which can help you secure placement more quickly.

LTC News partners with Amada Senior Care to ensure that your loved ones receive the quality care they deserve based on their needs and preferences without worrying about securing their LTC Insurance benefits. This free service helps you process the insurance claim quickly - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

Why Personalized Care Matters

Every person’s body is different. Your genes, health conditions, and even your daily habits affect how medications work.

Your healthcare provider should:

• Review your full medication list regularly
• Adjust dosages based on how your body responds
• Watch for interactions between prescriptions, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs
• Coordinate care with any specialists you see

Open communication with your doctor is essential,” Moore said. “Don’t downplay symptoms. Speak up early.

Be Informed. Be Safe.

Being an informed patient—or caregiver—can prevent life-threatening side effects. Read your medication leaflet. Ask your pharmacist questions. Make sure you understand:

• What the drug is for
• How and when to take it
• What foods, drinks, or activities to avoid
• What side effects to watch for

Planning Ahead for Safer Long-Term Care

Medication mismanagement is a major reason older adults end up in long-term care. Falls, confusion, and hospitalizations caused by side effects can be devastating—emotionally and financially.

Adding a Long-Term Care Insurance now before you retire can help you:

• Access top-tier assisted living or home care
• Get expert medication oversight
• Reduce the burden on your spouse or children
• Protect your retirement income and assets

Use the LTC News Cost of Care Calculator to estimate future care expenses near you.

Bottom Line

After 50, the risks tied to prescription medications increase—but so does your power to manage them. Stay informed, talk to your doctors, and don’t ignore changes in how you feel. If your loved one is in long-term care, stay involved in their medication plan and ask questions.

Medication should help you feel better—not create new health problems. The more you know, the safer and healthier you’ll be in the years ahead.