Polypharmacy is a condition in which you take too many medications (five or more) at the same time. It is most common in patients with chronic diseases.
Polypharmacy can sometimes be necessary and sometimes unnecessary.
What are the risks:
- increases the risk of drug interactions and side effects;
- reduces the effectiveness of treatment;
- may lead to prescribing errors and deterioration;
- increases the risk of falls;
- adversely affects memory and thinking (cognitive disorders) and more.
Tips for preventing polypharmacy:
- keep a list of all your medications.
- always consult your doctor about the medicines you are taking.
- Do not take excess or unnecessary medication.
- Check drug interactions periodically.
- Change medications only on medical advice.
- Be careful with new medicines.
- Discuss with your doctor the possibility of discontinuing unnecessary medications.
- If your doctor has changed, provide complete information about the medications you are taking.
