Overmedication of Residents
The United States Department of Justice recently settled a case against the nation’s largest nursing home pharmacy, Omnicare Inc., and drug manufacturer IVAX Pharmaceuticals, which concerned an alleged kickback scheme involving prescription medications for nursing home residents.
Disturbingly, the DOJ suit alleged that one kickback scheme centered on Johnson & Johnson and their prescription anti-psychotic medication, Risperdal. The DOJ alleged that Omnicare sought and received kickbacks from Johnson & Johnson in exchange for recommending that physicians prescribe Risperdal to nursing home patients.
Risperdal is an antipsychotic that is often given to elderly patients who are suffering from dementia. Unfortunately, there are great dangers of using this medication in this population. Also, there is little evidence that's effective for treating Alzheimer’s patients’ aggression or delusions.
However, a recent Times article notes, when nursing homes are short staffed, it may be easier for staff to sedate the patients, or give them antipsychotics, instead of providing additional hands-on care.
Please do not be afraid to ask questions about the number and kinds of medications you or your loved one are taking.
