Examining Polypharmacy

April 10, 2017

Polypharmacy--taking multiple medications--is an increasing problem in the United States, especially among older patients.  An article in the New York Times describes the risks associated with polypharmacy, including harmful drug interactions, adverse events requiring hospitalizations, and cognitive impairments.  The author of the article advises routine medication reviews by physicians and patient-initiated conversations with physicians in order to reduce or more thoughtfully prescribe medications.  In a quote, Dr. Gellad, advises patients asking their doctors to review their medications at every visit.