Preferential medications: list of who is entitled to receive them

From this article you will learn:

Why you should be careful when buying medications for older people
What situation does an elderly patient face when he takes all the medications prescribed by the doctor?
What side effects can there be from self-medication?
Why sleeping pills are dangerous for older people
How to choose the right blood pressure medications for older people
When should you buy medications if an elderly person has constipation?
Which drugs are for dizziness in older people, and which, on the contrary, cause them?

Medicines for older people help to get rid of many problems caused by the natural aging process. However, not all of them are safe for grandparents. This should be kept in mind when choosing drugs to improve memory for older people, because the wrong drug can only worsen your relative’s condition.

Why you should be careful when buying medications for older people

Unfortunately, many older people face multiple illnesses. Because of this, the doctor prescribes not one, but several medications at once. Each specialist, as a rule, prescribes two medications, and an elderly person has a whole list of diseases. Therefore, he has to take various medications for older people at the same time, the quantity of which often exceeds 10 items per day.

Read material on the topic: Treatment of the elderly

In the US and UK, older people account for one third of all medications prescribed by doctors. Dr. Schneider, who works at Salt Lake City University Hospital, believes that the simultaneous administration of many medications causes an increase in health problems, because patients experience adverse reactions, and many of them begin to abuse the drugs. By the way, the phenomenon associated with the fact that a patient is prescribed numerous medications for older people is called polypharmacy .

Of course, medications for older people help cope with illness and improve the quality of life for many patients. However, the main problem is that pharmaceutical companies have unlimited access to the media , and many of us have little understanding of medical issues and choose drugs for the elderly simply by trusting such advertising.

As a rule, no side effects are mentioned, and the effect of the drug is not confirmed in any way. Companies use various marketing tactics to attract the attention of customers , show the advantages of the drug and conceal information about its possible disadvantages.

The question of how to regulate the consumption of drugs and their marketing has been raised repeatedly by the World Health Organization , which is expressed in a report on the issues of drug provision for the elderly. This document describes recommendations on how drugs should be prescribed for older people and is relevant to member countries.

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What you need to have when going to the hospital

Reimbursing pensioners for medicines has a number of important nuances, and it all starts with collecting the necessary documents, which the citizen must provide to the attending physician. Therapists, paramedics, cardiologists, surgeons and other specialists with whom the citizen is undergoing treatment have the right to issue a prescription. The patient must have the following documents with him:

Passport.
SNILS.
Insurance policy.
Medical Card.
A certificate from the Pension Fund stating that the citizen did not write a voluntary refusal of additional medical care.
Pension certificate, disability certificate and other documents confirming the right to receive benefits.

The doctor must write out a prescription in two copies, one of which the citizen provides to the pharmacy kiosk, and the other to the regulatory body that distributes social benefits, which includes benefits for receiving medicines for pensioners.

The doctor, for his part, also sends a request to the state pharmacy; it often happens that the required drug is not available, and you have to wait for some time for its delivery. To make the task easier, today there is a special service on the Internet for ordering the necessary medicine. To do this, you need to go to the Roszdravnadzor website and fill out an application; here you can call the hotline and find out the details of the service in your region.

What situation does a patient find himself in when taking all prescribed medications?

Older people usually from several chronic diseases , and each of them needs to be treated, that is, the doctor prescribes medications for blood pressure for older people, to improve memory, heart medications, and others. Thus, an elderly person has to take many medications, which often causes side effects;
Many people take medications for older people without following the dosage regimen or required dosage . Of course, if you need to take a large number of drugs that are in similar jars, then you can get confused. In addition, many medications, such as heart medications, are not always easy for older people to open because they have inconvenient packaging;
Grandparents rarely realize why they are taking certain medications for older people;
The functions of the kidneys and liver are often impaired , but they are responsible for the fact that medicinal substances are processed and excreted. If your elderly relative is taking medications for the elderly, it is important to make sure that the dosage is selected by the doctor on an individual basis, that is, the functions of the internal organs that ensure the safe elimination of the drug are taken into account.
The result of therapy is determined by what medications are taken for older people. However, many elderly people prescribe medications “to themselves” or respond to advertising or advice from girlfriends. Of course, the risk of side effects in such a situation increases significantly.

What side effects may occur in older people taking medications:

unpredictable reactions to medications in older adults are one of the 10 most common causes of death;
many adverse drug reactions can be prevented;
Unexpected drug reactions occur all over the world;
Unfortunately, statistics show that the costs associated with such reactions to medications for older people (hospitalization, surgery, consequences of disability) are higher than the cost of treatment.

If you are interested in memory restoration in older people, medications should be chosen very carefully. However, taking any medicine carries a risk of side effects, which can even lead to the death of the patient . About 20% of patients in the nursing ward end up there precisely because of an undesirable reaction to one of the medications, for example, drugs that improve memory in older people. As a rule, old people react to taking diuretics , psychotropic drugs , sleeping pills , etc.

Read the material on the topic: Sleep disturbance in older people

According to statistics, adverse reactions become noticeable two weeks after starting to take the drug. However, 9 out of 10 situations are life threatening. By the way, side effects can also occur due to abrupt discontinuation of use . This happens especially often if the patient stops taking sleeping pills for the elderly based on benzodiazepine and its derivatives.

Other medical services

Benefits for pensioners on medicines are not the only government measure to support older people. In addition, the legislation provides for the following medical services:

the opportunity to get vaccinated for free;
veterans and disabled people who are retired are provided with additional treatment in the country’s sanatoriums; Each region has its own procedure for obtaining vouchers; for clarification, you can contact your local physician;
free travel to the place of treatment;
medical examination is provided every three years;
free service in any public clinics in the country;
discount on prosthetics for missing limbs.

Pensioners with the status of disabled veterans of the Great Patriotic War, residents of besieged Leningrad, have the right to undergo medical examination once a year.

Why are sleeping pills dangerous for older people?

If you talk to old women who are registered with a neurologist, you will find out that the problem of insomnia is solved by sleeping pills for older people, for example, “ Phenazepam ”.

In the United States, mild tranquilizers are taken by older people every day, and there are more than a million of these grandparents. There is no evidence that sleeping pills for older people remain effective when taken over a long period. In addition, they cause a feeling of confusion and impair memory . By the way, “Phenazepam” remains in the blood of an elderly person throughout the day.

Benefits for labor veterans

Unfortunately, due to austerity policies, people who received an honorary title for special merits and efforts shown during work had many benefits canceled in 2020 and were replaced with some bonuses and privileges. But in terms of medical care, almost all services remained unchanged.

Benefits for medicines for labor veterans and pensioners are provided free of charge in any region of the country. However, a citizen can only obtain the necessary medications from government agencies. In 2020, the list of insurance services even included dental treatment, subject to the purchase of equipment at one’s own expense. In all other respects, the same procedure is provided for obtaining medicine for retired veterans. Benefits are provided upon submission of all documents confirming this right.

Which blood pressure medications to buy for older people

High blood pressure is one of the most common problems among older people.
This condition requires treatment, otherwise the quality of life in old age will leave much to be desired. Only a doctor can prescribe blood pressure medications for older people after he analyzes the test results.

It is known that older people have conservative views on any life phenomenon, including treatment. If you look in your grandmother's medicine cabinet, you will find numerous blood pressure medications for older people, the list of which will definitely surprise you. You will see other remedies: “ Corvalol ”, “ Citramon ”, “ Validol ”, etc. By the way, much of what you discover was prescribed by your grandmother “for herself”.

If you are horrified by looking at your home medicine cabinet, we recommend that you visit the clinic with your relative and discuss with your doctor what medications he is taking for the elderly.

" Adelfa " and " Clonidine " are popular among older people suffering from high blood pressure. However, these blood pressure medications for older people clearly do not deserve such love. They have a large number of side effects and are addictive. By the way, in modern medicine, drugs for older people such as clonidine are used only in cases where it is absolutely necessary.

Many people mistakenly believe that blood pressure medications for older people should be taken only when the blood pressure rises. This is wrong. The intake must be constant , because medicinal substances act on the principle of gradual accumulation in the body.

Read material on the topic: Tonometers for the elderly

Tell your elderly relative that high blood pressure can be caused by a phenomenon such as atherosclerosis, that is, age-related vascular pathology. Therefore, doctors prescribe not only blood pressure medications for older people, but also statins and anticoagulants. If a specialist has prescribed Atorvastatin and Aspicard, then this cannot be neglected.

" Aspicard " thins the blood and prevents stroke.
" Atorvastatin " fights atherosclerotic plaques and increases the elasticity of blood vessels.

List of free medications

The list of medications that can be received free of charge or at a discount in 2020 was approved by the Russian government by order No. 2738r dated December 10, 2018. It includes medications from the following groups:

painkillers;
antiepileptics;
medications against idiopathic parkinsonism syndrome;
psycholeptic drugs;
stimulants and sedatives;
anti-infective drugs of various release forms (tablets, capsules and solutions);
anti-cancer drugs and immunosuppressants;
preparations for strengthening bone tissue;
anticoagulants and drugs against cardiovascular pathologies;
hormonal medications;
drugs for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in various forms;
diuretics and medications for genitourinary pathologies;
drugs for the treatment of respiratory organs and pathologies of the digestive system;
antihistamines;
medicine for eye diseases, including drops, vitamins and other forms of drug release.

What blood pressure medications are most often prescribed by doctors to older people?

ACE inhibitors

This includes Lisinopril, Berlipril, etc., the effects of which begin three hours after administration. Of course, such blood pressure medications for older people should be taken systematically at the same time. Medicines help stabilize blood pressure levels, but act on the principle of a cumulative effect. If an elderly person takes the medicine occasionally, there will not be a significant result.

Diuretics

Only a specialist can select such blood pressure medications for older people. Diuretics should be taken on an empty stomach, in the morning, and this should also be done systematically. The effect of the medicine is that it prevents excess fluid from retaining and swelling.

As a rule, the doctor prescribes potassium-sparing diuretics for blood pressure for older people (Indapamide, Diuver). By the way, patients suffering from gout should not be prescribed thiazide diuretics, as they can cause an exacerbation of the pathology.

Beta blockers

These blood pressure medications for older people should be taken strictly systematically! You cannot increase/decrease the dosage at your own discretion or stop taking it altogether. Such medications have a strong withdrawal syndrome, that is, if an elderly person forgets to take the pill, then a crisis is likely to occur.

What benefits are provided to pensioners

Upon reaching the maximum age for service and subject to regular contributions to the Pension Fund, a citizen has the right to receive a monthly benefit, as well as additional social security measures. Over the past twenty years, the state has made many efforts to create comfortable living conditions for older people. A person of retirement age is entitled to the following benefits:

In the field of taxation: pensions, treatment allowances, payment for vouchers for sanatorium treatment are not subject to personal income tax. In addition, pensioners are subject to a different system for calculating payments for property owned, as well as benefits when paying taxes on a vehicle or land. Much depends on the region of the country and local regulatory laws.
Benefits for paying for housing and communal services: today there is a condition under which a pensioner has the right to count on a one-time payment from the state for gasification of his own house or apartment. Compensation can be a maximum of 50%, much depends on the social program adopted in a given region.
Discounts on public transport. In some areas, there is a targeted assistance program where social services provide support to pensioners, disabled people and other vulnerable groups of the population.

Much more questions arise about how drug benefits are provided to old-age pensioners. The legislative basis for such assistance is prescribed in the Federal Law of July 17, 1999 No. 178-FZ “On State Social Assistance.”

What memory medications are indicated for older people?

Nerve cells gradually die due to the aging process, and this leads to memory deterioration. As a rule, the problem occurs over the age of 50. It is difficult for older people to remember dates, perform actions on time, etc. In such a situation, doctors prescribe medications for older people to improve memory:

Nootropics

Memory medications for older people that increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain. Because of this, glucose is better absorbed, and it is a substance that significantly improves concentration, memory, and mental abilities.

Memory medications for older people, such as Nootropil, are prescribed if memory has deteriorated so much that the patient cannot say the names of his relatives, does not know how to get home, what his name is, where he lives. The medicine is taken up to 5 mg per day for a month, and then the dosage is reduced by half. As a rule, the condition improves within a week.

Read material on the topic: Senile dementia

Unfortunately, such memory medications for older people are addictive, which is why the dosage has to be constantly increased. Doctors recommend taking breaks in treatment or regularly replacing medications with similar ones.

Memory medications for older adults may be used in the following cases:

depressive states;
strict, long-term diet;
head/brain injuries.

Vitamins

Experts advise regularly taking not only medications for older people, but also vitamins containing ginseng, which, in fact, is a nootropic of plant origin. The most popular of the complexes is “Vision”. By the way, it can be taken not only by the elderly, but also by those who are constantly engaged in mental work, for example, students.

" Biotredin " allows you to enhance memory due to its effect on the nervous system. Such memory medications for the elderly are indicated for depression and stress.

" Vitrum Memory " is another effective medicine that can improve brain activity. As a rule, such drugs for older people are prescribed if a person has poor memory, hearing, or vision.

Medications

Glycine . Memory medications for the elderly “Glycine” and “Glycine-Forte” treat memory impairment, sclerosis, and amnesia. They allow you to improve metabolism, increase efficiency, relieve stress, and restore sleep. In addition, “Glycine” is prescribed to young people with head injuries, concussions, as well as those whose activities involve constant intense mental stress.

"Glycine" has almost no contraindications, however, individual intolerance to the components in its composition is possible (allergic reaction, tinnitus, drowsiness). Check out the list of contraindications if your elderly relative is taking these medications for the elderly.

Read material on the topic: Treatment of senile dementia

Intellan stimulates brain activity. It is prescribed for stress, depression, and attention problems. Memory medications for the elderly, such as Intellan, are prescribed to children with developmental delays. The medicine should not be taken by those who suffer from diabetes. If you take Intellan at night, you may experience insomnia.

Piracetam and phenotropil . If the grandmother or grandfather does not remember anything, then memory restoration in older people is required. The drugs "Piracetam" and "Phenotropil" can improve blood circulation and activate metabolic processes. Piracetam is prescribed along with other medications for diseases of the nervous system, atherosclerosis, and injuries. Such drugs for older people can only be taken as prescribed by a doctor and with great caution, since the occurrence of allergic reactions and exacerbation of heart disease is possible.

"Phenotropil" has a psychostimulating effect. It effectively improves memory and intellectual activity, and should be taken in the first half of the day. Like other drugs for older people, the medicine can cause side effects, for example, high blood pressure and insomnia.

Tanakan and phenibut are prescribed for encephalopathy and mental impairment. "Phenibut" - for anxiety, irritability. These memory medications for the elderly may cause side effects such as dizziness, itching, and bowel dysfunction. They should not be taken for gastritis, ulcers, or poor circulation.

List of medications

In total, the list of preferential medications for various social categories includes 706 items. Moreover, the list is updated every year: for example, a decade and a half ago it included a little more than 400 drugs.

Groups of preferential drugs:

Anticholinesterase drugs.
Opioid analgesics and mixed action analgesic
Non-narcotic analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Medicines for the treatment of gout
Other anti-inflammatory drugs
Means for the treatment of allergic reactions
Anticonvulsants
Drugs for the treatment of parkinsonism
Anxiolytics
Antipsychotics
Antidepressants and mood stabilizers
Medicines for the treatment of sleep disorders
Other drugs affecting the central nervous system
Means for the prevention and treatment of infections
Antiviral agents
Antifungal agents
Antiparasitic agents
Antineoplastic, immunosuppressive and related drugs
Drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis
Drugs affecting hematopoiesis and coagulation system
Drugs affecting the cardiovascular system
Drugs for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Hormones and agents affecting the endocrine system
Drugs for the treatment of prostate adenoma
Drugs affecting the respiratory system
Drugs used in ophthalmology
Vitamins and minerals
Antiseptics and disinfectants
Other means

For a detailed list, see the official website of the Ministry of Health.

Treatment of constipation in older people: when to buy drugs

If you have to deal with a problem such as treating constipation in older people, medications should be used only in a situation where other methods do not help. This is common practice all over the world, since any drug that affects the intestines can cause adverse reactions. People take laxatives for older people for constipation if the difficulty in bowel movements lasts for a long time.

It is advisable to use laxatives for older people in situations where it is not possible to get rid of the problem by other methods. They should be taken if you have tried other procedures and infusions, but they do not produce results.

Such drugs for older people are divided into 4 groups:

To soften stool (osmolytics). These medications for older people can increase the volume of stool and soften it. The action lasts for 6 hours;
Irritants of the intestinal wall activate the nerve receptors of the intestinal walls, increase peristalsis, which promotes emptying;
Fillers . These drugs for older people work like this: the volume of feces increases due to the fact that water is drawn from the intestinal lumen. As a rule, the result of treatment appears after four days;
Prebiotics - ensure normalization of the bacterial composition of the intestine and improvement of food digestion.

Laxatives for older people should be chosen carefully and be sure to consult a doctor on this issue.

Let's look at the main drugs for treating constipation:

" Guttalax " is an effective drug that has a mild effect. As a rule, the result of treatment appears within sixteen hours. You should take 10-15 drops of medicine per day. If you are treating constipation in older people, medications, including Guttalax, should be changed to other medications after some time, since most of them are addictive;
" Regulax " is an effective drug. The composition contains herbal ingredients, and therefore the medicine is not addictive. The action lasts about ten hours. By the way, the tablets have a pleasant taste.
“ Elimin ”, “ Evacuol ”, “ Dibrolax ” are medications that have an irritating effect on the intestinal walls. They allow you to perform a one-time bowel movement, as they activate the large intestine;
Forlax a laxative drug. It should not be taken by the elderly, because taking the medicine leads to the loss of potassium and calcium in the blood. In addition, it is not recommended to use it for a long time;
" Prelax " is recommended not only for elderly people, but also for newborn children. A daily dosage (50 ml) together with another laxative drug allows you to normalize digestive processes for a long time.

How it works?

You can learn more about the provision of additional medical care from your local general practitioner, the territorial body of compulsory health insurance, as well as from the organization where the insurance policy was issued.

The attending physician must provide all information about those drugs that are covered by the drug benefit for pensioners. He also writes out a prescription indicating its validity period, usually a month or a little more. Any other person has the right to receive the necessary medicine, so you can transfer the document to a relative or close person. If you lose your prescription, you must immediately contact your doctor.