Combating the Rise of ‘Polypharmacy’ – Tips for Seniors on the Risk of Many Medications

In the past 10 years, research has shown that the percentage of people over 60 who take five or more medications has jumped from 22 percent to 37 percent. More than 30 million Americans take five or more prescribed drugs regularly, often called “polypharmacy.”

Each year, about one-third of seniors experience serious adverse effects as a result of drug interactions, so it’s necessary to be cognizant of the risks and dangers, according to a CVS pharmacy spokesperson. There are a number of measures a senior can take to avoid the health risks associated with polypharmacy. Papatya Tankut, vice president, professional pharmacy services, CVS/Pharmacy, notes:

·         Developing a relationship with a pharmacist can help better manage medications and prevent potential and harmful drug interactions. A patient’s relationship is more effective if all medications are at one “pharmacy home.”

·         Medication adherence is a growing concern as more Americans neglect to fill prescriptions and take medications as directed. These mistakes will decrease the effectiveness of the medication and may lead to the persistence of problems.

·         Pharmacists can offer advice on supplements as well as tips for maintaining overall health and well-being. Be sure to consult a pharmacist before adding any vitamins or supplements to avoid interactions.

·         If a senior is unsure about a medication or is experiencing a side effect, tell the pharmacist or a trained health expert. The fix may be as simple as shifting the dosage or even taking the medication with food instead of on an empty stomach.

For more about specific medications and supplements, including interactions with other drugs, check out http://www.nlm.nih.gov/services/drug.html.