Gender Gaps Discovered in Overall Use of Prescription Drugs, Adherence Patterns and Medical Management

SOURCE:  Newswise

DATE:  March 21, 2012

EXCERPT:  "Women use more prescription drugs than men; yet they are not prescribed proper amounts. In a new study presented at Women's Health 2012: The 20th Annual Congress by Medco Health Solutions, Inc. and the Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR) women are prescribed more drugs than men, have poorer adherence rates to using the drugs than men, and, perhaps most surprisingly, lag behind men in receiving the appropriate drugs for their documented diseases.

Historically, clinical trials have included predominantly men, but medications affect men and women differently. Because sex differences in prescription drug absorption, metabolism and dosage have not been properly researched, women may be left to suffer the consequences.

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This landmark study shows that gender-specific dosing is desperately needed in modern medicine. SWHR has long advocated for sex-specific dosing research and guidance on all drugs to prevent harmful reactions in women and to improve their overall health."   more

RELATED LINK:

Presented by Medco Health Solutions, Inc. and the Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR) at the Women's Health 2012: The 20th Annual Congress  meeting, 16-18 Mar 2012, Washington, D.C.