Abstract: RateADrug.com users evaluate their treatments by rating effectiveness of prescription drugs and alternative medicinal therapies. Additionally, the site allows for the comparisons of various brands and large-scale sharing of side effects and efficacy of prescription and over– the –counter medicines. A small collection of surveys over the last 90 days have shown a pattern of medicines used among older Americansages 50 to 85. As was hypothesized, the following analysis shows that Americans within such an age range take a combination of prescription and alternative medicines to treat long-term illnesses.

Full Article: RateADrug.com users evaluate their treatments by rating effectiveness of prescription drugs and alternative medicinal therapies. Additionally, the site allows for the comparisons of various brands and large-scale sharing of side effects and efficacy of prescription and over –the –counter medicines. A small collection of surveys over the last 90 days have shown a pattern of medicines used among older Americans- ages 50 to 85. As was hypothesized, the following analysis shows that Americans within such an age range take a combination of prescription and alternative medicines to treat long-term illnesses.

Treatments evaluations were collected daily at numerous locations. Most surveys were administered at the Emory University Campus, local parks, and at a Rateadrug.com event. Patients filled out short questionnaires with drug names, likes and dislikes, common side effects, and personal comments. Some users noted age and other optional facts. Throughout the evaluation collection period, data from varying age ranges were collected. However, the focus remained on people aging 50 and over of all ethnic backgrounds. After 250 evaluations were attained, an analysis of the gathered data was completed. The raw data from collections illustrated a large scale use of heart-related and bone health medicines.

Several surveys involved heart health related medications – prescribed, over-the-counter, and herbal. About 45% of evaluations were medicines that decrease high cholesterol levels, relieve heartburn, treat high blood pressure, and other heart problems (Fig. 1). Most patients noted that the prescribed dosages were effective at alleviating their problems, but not curing them. Poor ratings resulted from patients who received unproductive dosage levels, and also from negative side effects. Commonly reported side effects included low effectiveness, tendency to always feel sleepy, drowsiness, and low appetite. Dosages levels usually ranged from 10-30 milligrams, and the most used medicines tended to be Amlodipine, Crestor, Zocor, Zantac, Prevacid, Motrin, Zestril, Simvastatin, Atenolol, Lipitor, garlic, and fennel seeds. Among these medicines, users rated Crestor to be most effective for treating high cholesterol levels. Several rateadrug.com users that were surveyed use a combination of these over-the-counter and prescribed medicines. Common positive feedbacks about such medicines were their ability to reduce symptoms and maintain a healthy body.

Fig. 1. 1. High Blood Pressure; 2. Heartburn; 3. High Cholesterol; 4. Heart Disease; 5. Blood Thinner; 6. Angina (Chest Pain); 7. Arrhythmia (Irregular Heartbeat); 8. Heart Attack; 9. Atherosclerosis & Arterial Disease

Osteoporosis and Arthritis medicines were also frequently noted in the treatment evaluations among users aging over 50. These treatments entailed an incorporation of herbal and prescription drugs. A few herbal supplements used include Blue Cohosh, daily intakes of fiber, Wintergreen, and Ba Jiao Hui Xiang. Some regularly used prescription medicines included Evista and Zyflamend. Patients responded positively to medicines, however, noted their low efficacy. High ratings were achieved for both the supplements and prescription drugs due a lack of negative side effects and an overall improved feeling of confidence.

The general response of rateadrug.com users, over the age of 50, on their experience with medicines is positive. The majority of evaluators noted wide-ranging content with the effect of medicine on their lives. However, most recorded less than a hundred percent efficacy (around 70 to 80%) with the drug in treating their condition. A large amount of raters over the age of 50 also combined supplements with prescription medicine to achieve an increased level of well-being. When compared, there is a higher satisfaction with herbal supplemental medicines over prescription drugs. Further research and evaluations would need to be conducted to thoroughly understand why there is greater approval of herbal supplemental medicines among people over 50. Additionally, a continued study and collection of treatment evaluations from Americans aging 50 and over would be beneficial in finding further common medications used and their side effects.