Council on Aging - Answers 2023 - 16

COUNCIL ON AGING - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Polypharmacy
What to Know, and What to do About it
By Zainab Saadi MD
" I've been taking this medicine for many years,
and I just want a refill, " she told her new physician
as she sat in the clinic room. " Well why are you
taking this medicine? " Her doctor asked, and
she realized she wasn't sure. It had been many
years. After going through her lab results, her
medication list, her history, it came to light this
medication was no longer needed.
Medications are tools that are customized to
our current conditions, to help us be healthier,
longer. Whether you are on one or more, it
is important to regularly have medication
reviewed to make sure each is a right fit for you.
Polypharmacy is when someone uses multiple
medications and is now commonplace. About
9 out of 10 older adults are on at least one
medication, and about 4 out of 10 are on at least
five medications.(1)
However, your body and its
needs can change, and the practice of medicine
also changes as cutting-edge research uncovers
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Answers Guide 23/24
new medical options. Overall, it is estimated that
about 15-30% of older adult medications may be
incorrect or inappropriate for them.(2)
Taking medications, and especially more than
one, can help you manage your health better, but
they also come with an increased risk of reactions.
Unexpected negative medication reactions may
occur to 11-22% of older adults, and about 3% of
those may lead to urgent hospitalizations.(3)
Many of these can be prevented-having
your medications regularly reviewed and
understanding what each is designed to treat can
help prevent harmful reactions.
What about over-the-counter medications?
Those matter too. Herbs, supplements and
other over-the-counter therapies can have their
own risks and medication interactions. Certain
heart-burn medications for example, if taken
too regularly for too long, can result in stomach
infections, broken bones especially the hip,
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HEALTHCARE & WELL-BEING

Council on Aging - Answers 2023

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