Simply put, polypharmacy is the usage of multiple medications simultaneously. While this situation is rarely intentional or nefarious, it can be dangerous and cause additional health problems. Polypharmacy typically occurs when a patient is treating several chronic conditions simultaneously. Senior citizens are most likely to take various prescriptions and are considered to be at the highest risk from the practice. While no one should stop taking a medication without their physician’s approval, everyone can take a more active role in reducing potential risks.
Every individual, regardless of age, should have a complete list of all medications and supplements they are taking (prescription or not.) While a drug on its own provides benefits, drugs do not act in isolation in your body. Everything a patient takes must be assessed when making treatment choices.
Polypharmacy represents concerns to older adults, such as:
- Excessive side effects, as sensitivities to medication increase with age
- Dangerous drug interactions may result in unique side effects not associated with either medication on its own
- Reduced efficacy of one medication due to the metabolic actions of one of the other drugs
- Confusion regarding medication management, resulting in incorrect or missed dosage
Why Polypharmacy Occurs
Polypharmacy is a very common occurrence. Often, senior citizens need to take several medications to manage multiple simultaneous medical conditions. While these medications, individually, may be useful, there are scenarios when the number of prescription drugs for a health issue is more than needed. There are other reasons polypharmacy can take place, including:
- Prescribing cascades: A “prescribing cascade” occurs when individuals are prescribed a drug to counteract the side effects of another medication – or to counteract an interaction between two or more other medications.
- Disconnected medical care: Often, a healthcare provider is involved in care for only a short period of time, such as during an emergency. This healthcare professional may prescribe a medication that counteracts the effect of a medication already in use.
- Pharmacy changes: If prescriptions are filled at several pharmacies, none are likely to have a complete list of a patient’s medication regimen. Drug interactions may go unnoticed when the combination would have raised a red flag if provided at a single location.
How to Avoid Problems
There are several ways you can help your loved one with their medication management to avoid polypharmacy:
- Choose a primary care practitioner and schedule regular appointments to coordinate all medications and treatments. This primary healthcare provider should be aware of any medical issues, other healthcare providers, and any supplements and medications taken. This healthcare provider will be responsible for watching for signs and symptoms of polypharmacy and adjusting medications as necessary.
- Make a list of all medications and supplements and review for needed updates regularly. Bring the list to all appointments and give it to care providers to check for any possible complications.
- Speak to the pharmacist regarding any potential drug interactions, providing a prescription list for their review. This is vital if medications are obtained from more than one pharmacy.
- Continue taking all prescribed medications until approval is obtained from the healthcare provider. While polypharmacy can cause damage, medication adherence is essential as well
Anyone can become overwhelmed by medical terminology and pharmaceutical instructions, but the elderly population is especially vulnerable to polypharmacy.
One of the significant benefits of assisted living is that your loved one will receive professional supervision in all aspects of their life, including medical management. Assisted living may be an excellent option if your loved one needs help with daily tasks and ADLs.
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