Utility of drug leaflets for elderly consumers.

A mail survey of 1,650 elderly consumers evaluated prescription drug leaflets for antihypertensives, tranquilizers, and arthritis medicines. Of those who said they received the leaflet, 95 per cent read it, 76 per cent kept it, and 56 per cent discussed it with another person. Respondents taking antihypertensive medicine were more apt to keep the leaflet and say they learned new information from it. Those taking tranquilizers were less likely to say the leaflet made them feel better about using the drug.