Polypharmacy has been variously
defined as "use of multiple prescriptions and
over-the-counter medications by older people with
chronic health problems" or "Use of more medications
than is clinically indicated".
Because of the changes associated
with ageing, polypharmacy can easily result in
adverse drug events. These adverse events range
from common complaints of dizziness and confusion
to loss of appetite and serious complications
such as bleeding and even death. In addition,
patients who are taking multiple medications without
a proper understanding of the indications for
the medications and the potential interactions
may be at increased risk of non-compliance. This
in itself can result in undesirable outcomes.
Polypharmacy is especially
common in older persons with multiple co-existent
medical conditions who seek treatment from multiple
doctors. If you suffer from multiple co-existent
conditions and are taking medications from multiple
doctors, you may wish to consider having a single
doctor coordinate the different aspects of care
amongst your different doctors. |
