Using multiple medications simultaneously (polypharmacy) increases the risk of side effects and hospitalizations in older adults. A thorough medication review can help prevent both under- and overtreatment, reduce the risk of adverse effects and drug interactions, and ultimately improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for elderly patients.
References:
- Fried TR, O’Leary J, Towle V, et al. Health outcomes associated with polypharmacy in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review. Journal of American Geriatric Society 2014;62(12):2261-72.
- Jodar-Sanchez F, Malet-Larrea A, Martin JJ, et al. Cost-utility analysis of a medication review with follow-up service for older adults with polypharmacy in community pharmacies in Spain: The conSIGUE Program. PharmacoEconomics 2015;33:599-610.
- van Poelgeest E et al. Optimizing pharmacotherapy and deprescribing strategies in older adults living with multimorbidity and polypharmacy: EuGMS SIG on pharmacology position paper. Eur Geriatr Med. 2023 Dec;14(6):1195-1209.