What % of people over 30 are on NO medication?

I can’t begin to answer for anyone else, but I am 57 and on no medication. Unless you are counting a very occasional OTC med for a cold or occasional pain…

No meds here…. (late-30s)

46 and no medication.

I am 36. No medicine here. I hate manufactured meds.

Why do you ask?

What do you consider medication? And do you mean under a doctor’s supervision?
And are you counting only consumption of medication for illness/health condition?

I’m 65 and I’m not taking any meds.

I rarely take medication. I rarely get sick, and I am on no medication. I do use a progesterone cream, but that’s it. I’m 57.

I take none. Unless you count Scotch. I take some of that.

I’m 50 and no presciption meds and a very rare aspirin. My dad is 92 and only takes one medication for his appetite. He just started taking that about 6 months ago.

58 and no meds… except for occasional Alleve™ capsules for a broken arm from two weeks ago.

I’m 44, and take 8 prescription pills a day, every damn day. I’ve been taking one of them since I was 17 years old. :(

Three of my four grandparents were diabetic. Both my parents were diabetic. My brother is pre-diabetic. I’m diabetic. Heart disease, cancer, stroke, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, severe depression, seborrhea, obesity, psoriasis, and myopia all run in my family. Both my grandfathers were dead before I was born, both grandmothers were dead before I was 10, and my mother died of cancer at the age of 61. My father is the first male in his side of the family for three generations to survive past 60 (he’s 63 and just had a major stroke last year) and the only way he’s lived this long is with the assistance of a mountain of pills, ointments, unguents, and injections. I’m sure I’ll join him if I survive that long.

30 and already being on medication seems shockingly early…would’ve never guessed.

I’m 40 and if I don’t take daily medication for shingles I’ll end up with at least 4 terribly painful outbreaks a year. With the medication I usually just get one outbreak per year. I’ve had shingles since the age of 20.

My husband doesn’t take medication for anything, but then he hasn’t had health insurance for over 8 years.

No meds here.

How many people here do not regularly take any medications at all?

Who are the “people here”? The commenters in this thread? People in this country? Which country? Why do you want to know this information? Is this for homework or work, or are you just curious?

I’m 29 [which I know is slightly under your cut-off], but I take no prescription medication. My husband is 31 and he takes thyroid meds.

<————-49, Mad raving lunatic without my medication.

Meds include a weekly dose of:

Sushi
Dark Chocolate
Fresh Blueberries
Raw Mushrooms

I’ll be thirty next year and I take what I need, when I need it.

50. No meds.

Mentally 10 and medicinal weed whenever.

Wow! Fluther people are surprisingly healthy. I hereby conclude Fluther is a healthy thing to do.

Lame jokes aside, I know many people older than 30 taking no medications at all (except when having a flu etc…)

Why ask, dare I ask?

67 no meds except the occasional advil and xanax when I have to fly over 2 hours!

Actually I am surprised by the answers, there have been questions before when I was surprised by the great number of folks here who are on some sort of meds. Wonder where they all are or was I hallucinating???

I wondered that too, @rooeytoo. I’ve been shocked and somewhat saddened by the number of people on Fluther who I’ve seen respond on other threads the meds they take.

I take several.

You imply that taking meds is bad.

As far I’m concerned more people should be taking meds.

@Rock2 : I’m not seeing any such implication in the question, just a survey.

My BIL is 40 and takes no medications beyond the occasional benadryl before he encounters our cats. His wife is 36 and takes nothing but the occasional ibuprofen for cramps.

Welcome to Fluther, @Rock2. Based on answers in many of the other threads, I completely agree with you.

40, pharmacy up in here. insulin, bp meds, cholesterol., etc.
I was thinking young women would be on the pill.

Like @rooeytoo, I’ve been surprised by the number of jellies who say they’re on all kinds of meds. Maybe your post shouldn’t have excluded the under 30’s and you’d have a different response.

Is there nobility in not taking any meds?

@Rock2 It’s the noxious, neo-fascist Amerikan obsession with the myth of rugged individualism, that it’s somehow possible to live without the assistance – willing or not – of others around you. You’re supposed to “haul yourself up by your bootstraps” (which in the real world of non-Bugs Bunny physics, results in falling over) and “keep your nose to the grindstone” (an idiom which originated with a fifteenth technique for torturing someone with a knife grinder) without asking for help from anyone. Those who promulgate this horseshit get constant assistance from the many, many people they exploit against their will. Forcing people to labour for you in order to avoid starvation or worse is noble and heroic in the Randian myth of Amerikan individualism, but asking people nicely to willingly help you is “communist” or “socialist” or “liberal” or whatever the MinTruth enemy-of-the-month happens to be.

People who are rich get a healthy diet and plenty of time for sunshine, leisure, and exercise. They tend not to need medication. Poor people eat a shitty diet of grease, salt, and industrial additives which wrecks their bodies and their health, leaving them fat, unhealthy, diseased, and overstressed. Since the rich like to pretend that they’re “self-made,” they promulgate the insidious lie that people who are unhealthy and need medical assistance got there from laziness and basic unworthiness. Hence the snooty subtext we see in the question and answers here that not needing medication to survive is a sign of moral superiority.

@Rock2 – I think I am lucky that I don’t need meds. It is, I am sure, partly due to genes and as @SmashTheState says also due to the way I live. I personally, find it less expensive to eat healthily, less meat, more veg, many of which I grow myself in pots. Processed foods are way too expensive for me, just look at the cost of rice, the microwave kind is about 10 times more costly and not as good as the kind that takes 25 minutes or so to cook. Real raw potatoes are a fraction of the cost of any pre cooked kinds. It just takes more time and effort to eat healthily. My favorite exercise is running and walking, neither need any special equipment, so anyone can do it. I am past retirement age but I work 3 to 5 days a week because I like money I earn myself and it keeps me off the couch and active and also I appreciate the discipline in my life that working for someone else demands.

I am thankful I can do these things. Life is all about choices.

“People who are rich get a healthy diet and plenty of time for sunshine, leisure, and exercise. They tend not to need medication.”
You mean like Steve Jobs?

“Poor people eat a shitty diet of grease, salt, and industrial additives which wrecks their bodies and their health, leaving them fat, unhealthy, diseased, and overstressed.”
There is no evidence to back that up.

Smash,
My mother in law is 99 and she eats stuff that would make a vegan puke.

Medicines can take you from good to better.

@Rock2 : I somewhat see your point about taking meds when they are indicated, but you seem to be pushing the taking of meds for its own sake. Why go the pharma route if you don’t need to? I had chemo, there’s not much more intense taking of meds than that, but I don’t need it anymore, no medication is indicated for me now. I obviously will when I need to, but I’m not gonna if I don’t hafta. I did the 60s, I don’t see the absolute value of pharma unless you’re ill.

“I somewhat see your point about taking meds when they are indicated,...”
How do you determine when they are indicated?

Take the cholesterol drug Lipitor. Studies have indicated that people taking the drug had a 40% less heart attacks. Knowing that, would you take the drug or not?

They are indicated when a qualified medical professional determines same. I have low cholesterol, I know that because my cholesterol has been tested. Therefore, the taking of Lipitor is not indicated. Nobody here is saying they wouldn’t take appropriate medication, they just said they are not currently taking medication. Probably because they don’t need to. And this is getting silly. I’m thinking you’re just baiting, now, or a troll for big pharma. Drug yourself up all you want, @Rock2 , I’m not taking stuff I don’t need. You won, hooked me into a dumb discussion.

Oh, when I agreed with @Rock2 I was thinking meds for depression and anxiety, which seem to be exhibited here (on Fluther, that is) with astonishing regularity. More people need to chillax. (That everyone should take meds for that is just joking hyperbole.)

“I have low cholesterol, I know that because my cholesterol has been tested. Therefore, the taking of Lipitor is not indicated.”

How do you know it still wouldn’t help?

You know, doctors, researchers, pharmaceutical companies and just about everybody else believe there is no difference between corrolation and causation in medical testing.

There is.

Nobody is exactly sure why Lipitor reduces heart attacks. It may be something different than cholesterol. I know one doctor who has low cholesterol who takes Lipitor because there is a history of heart attacks in his family. It seems to be working for him so far.

Yup, even sillier, now.

I’m planning to live forever. So far, so good.

I’m am invincible as long as I’m alive.

We have a neighbor whose boyfriend was just told he has cirrhosis of the liver because of Lipitor. He’s the third person I’ve met in the past six months who has cirrhosis because of Lipitor. Astonishing. My husband has stopped taking his Lipitor because it is destroying his knees. It is good to know my husband and our new friends have lowered their risk for heart attacks. lol

We think Boniva (the bone density med) contributed to my moms liver cancer, which killed her. I wish they would ban prescription medication ads on TV. Patients shouldn’t be swayed to tell a doctor they need drugs because of an ad.

@bkcunningham and @Judi – that is why I hate taking pills and going to the doctor. Reminds me of when thalidomide was the miracle drug of the day.

I have taken statin drugs for my high cholesterol for over 20 years. I periodically get blood tests. The tests always include a liver enzime test to see if the drug is having a negative effect on my liver. So far, no problem.

If you can prove that Boniva causes liver cancer you have an obligation to follow up on that an let people know. You mother’s case is what is called annecdotal.

Thalidomide is still an approved drug for males.

@Rock2, we can’t prove anything. Just suspicion. I talked to my sister and it was actually Fosomax, not Boniva. It does have a documented history of liver damage.

Here’s one list of possible Boniva side effects:

“BONIVA can cause serious side effects including:

Esophagus problems
Low calcium levels in your blood (hypocalcemia)
Bone, joint or muscle pain
Severe jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis)
Unusual thigh bone fractures

Esophagus problems.

Some people who take BONIVA may develop problems in the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth and the stomach). These problems include irritation, inflammation, or ulcers of the esophagus which may sometimes bleed.
It is important that you take BONIVA exactly as prescribed to help lower your chance of getting esophagus problems (see How to Take BONIVA).
Stop taking BONIVA and call your doctor right away if you get chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, or have trouble or pain when you swallow.
Low calcium levels in your blood (hypocalcemia).

BONIVA may lower the calcium levels in your blood. If you have low blood calcium before you start taking BONIVA, it may get worse during treatment. Your low blood calcium must be treated before you take BONIVA. Most people with low blood calcium levels do not have symptoms, but some people may have symptoms. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low blood calcium such as:
Spasms, twitches, or cramps in your muscles
Numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, or around your mouth

Your doctor may prescribe calcium and vitamin D to help prevent low calcium levels in your blood, while you take BONIVA. Take calcium and vitamin D as your doctor tells you to.
Bone, joint, or muscle pain.

Some people who take BONIVA develop severe bone, joint, or muscle pain.
Severe jaw bone problems (osteonecrosis).

Severe jaw bone problems may happen when you take BONIVA. Your doctor may examine your mouth before you start BONIVA. Your doctor may tell you to see your dentist before you start BONIVA. It is important for you to practice good mouth care during treatment with BONIVA.
Unusual thigh bone fractures.

Some people have developed unusual fractures in their thigh bone. Symptoms of a fracture may include new or unusual pain in your hip, groin, or thigh.

The most common side effects of BONIVA are:

Back pain
Heartburn
Stomach area (abdominal) pain
Pain in your arms and legs
Diarrhea
Headache
Muscle pain
Flu-like symptoms

You may get allergic reactions, such as hives or, in rare cases, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.

These are not all the possible side effects of BONIVA. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

It is not known how long BONIVA works for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. You should see your doctor regularly to determine if BONIVA is still right for you.
Important Safety Information

You should not take BONIVA if you have certain problems with your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach), low blood calcium, cannot sit or stand for at least 60 minutes, or are allergic to BONIVA or any of its ingredients.

BONIVA can cause serious side effects including problems with the esophagus, low blood calcium, bone, joint or muscle pain, severe jaw bone problems, and unusual thigh bone fractures.

Before starting BONIVA, tell your doctor if you have problems with swallowing, stomach or digestive problems, have low blood calcium, plan to have dental surgery or teeth removed or have kidney problems.

Stop taking BONIVA and tell your doctor right away if you have pain or trouble swallowing, chest pain, or severe or continuing heartburn, as these may be signs of serious upper digestive problems. Call your doctor immediately if jaw problems, hip, groin, or thigh pain develop, or if you have symptoms of low blood calcium such as spasms, twitching, cramps in your muscles, or numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, or around your mouth.

The most common side effects are back pain, heartburn, stomach area pain, pain in your arms and legs, diarrhea, headache, muscle pain, and flu-like symptoms.

BONIVA is a prescription medicine used to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. BONIVA helps increase bone mass and helps reduce the chance of having a spinal fracture (break).

It is not known how long BONIVA works for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. You should see your doctor regularly to determine if BONIVA is still right for you.
Important Safety Information

You should not take BONIVA if you have certain problems with your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth and stomach), low blood calcium, cannot sit or stand for at least 60 minutes, or are allergic to BONIVA or any of its ingredients.

BONIVA can cause serious side effects including problems with the esophagus, low blood calcium, bone, joint or muscle pain, severe jaw bone problems, and unusual thigh bone fractures.

Before starting BONIVA, tell your doctor if you have problems with swallowing, stomach or digestive problems, have low blood calcium, plan to have dental surgery or teeth removed or have kidney problems.

Stop taking BONIVA and tell your doctor right away if you have pain or trouble swallowing, chest pain, or severe or continuing heartburn, as these may be signs of serious upper digestive problems. Call your doctor immediately if jaw problems, hip, groin, or thigh pain develop, or if you have symptoms of low blood calcium such as spasms, twitching, cramps in your muscles, or numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, or around your mouth.

The most common side effects are back pain, heartburn, stomach area pain, pain in your arms and legs, diarrhea, headache, muscle pain, and flu-like symptoms.”

I’ll wait until I get corroborated authoritative medical advice before I take anything that can do that, rather than follow the recommendations of the drug maker and Sally Field.

@Brian1946 , and it’s a time release, once a month drug so it takes a month to get it out of your system!

Medical claims are the most difficult to evaluate. My doctor is a good guy who keeps up with the latest medical research however I still question what he tells me.

All medicines have side effects however we may want to take them anyway if the benefits outweigh the problems.

Remember, even water has side effects and too much can kill you,