Too Many Meds? What You Need to Know About Polypharmacy in Older Adults

As we age, our bodies change- and so do our health needs. Many older adults live with chronic conditions like high blood pressure, arthritis, or diabetes, and these often require medication. But what happens when medications start to pile up? That's where polypharmacy comes in. Polypharmacy is just a fancy word for when someone takes multiple medications at the same time. While sometimes necessary, polypharmacy can also bring serious risks.

Why Polypharmacy Matters

Taking several medications at once can help manage different conditions. But it can also lead to:

• Confusing medication schedules

• Side effects or dangerous drug interactions

• Higher risk of falls

• Hospital visits

• Financial stress

Older adults are especially vulnerable because their bodies process drugs differently. As kidney and liver function naturally decline, drugs may stay in the body longer- increasing the chance of harmful side effects.

Real-Life Example: M.M.'s Story

M.M. is a 77-year-old woman who was taking medications from four different doctors. She didn't know what half of them were for- she just trusted her providers. Over time, she became fatigued, pale, and overwhelmed. With a review of her meds, her care team realized she was taking medications that:

1. Weren't necessary anymore

2. Could cause serious interactions

3. Increased her risk for falls and bleeding Once her medications were adjusted, her health improved- and so did her peace of mind.

How to Stay Safe

Here's what you can do to reduce the risks of polypharmacy:

• Keep a Current Medication List:

  Include the name, dose, why it's taken, and who prescribed it even over-the-counter meds and supplements.

• Use One Pharmacy:

  This helps flag duplicate drugs or interactions.

• Review Medications Regularly:

  Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medications at least once a year- or after any hospital visit.

• Watch for Red Flags:

  Tiredness, confusion, dizziness, or new symptoms could be side effects. DON’T IGNORE THEM!

• Ask Questions:

  If you don't know what a medication is for, ask! And don't be afraid to say you want fewer medications, if possible.

Support for Caregivers

If you're caring for an older adult, your role is crucial. Help keep their medication list updated, schedule regular reviews, and speak up if something doesn't seem right. Your advocacy can make all the difference.

Polypharmacy doesn't have to be dangerous, but it does require attention. Staying informed, asking questions, and keeping an open line with healthcare providers can help older adults stay safer, healthier, and more independent.

References:

1. Kim, J., & Parish, A. L. (2017). Polypharmacy and Medication Management in Older Adults. Nursing Clinics Of North America, doi:10.1016/j.cnur.2017.04.007

2. Patterson, S.M., Cadogan, C.A., Kerse, N., Cardwell, C.R., Bradley, M.C., Ryan, C., Hughes, C. (2014) Interventions to improve the appropriate use of polypharmacy for older people. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 10. Art.No.: CD008165. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008165.pub3.

3. Pierce, H. L., Pierce, S. L., Pierce, L. P., & Piotrowski, N. P. (2013). Polypharmacy. Magill’s Medical Guide (Online Edition),

4. Polypharmacy in Older Adults: Home Healthcare Now. (2015). Retrieved March 24, 2018, from http://journals.lww.com/homehealthcarenurseonline/Pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2015&issue=11000&article=00003&type=Fulltext

   
   

5. Robert L. Maher, Joseph Hanlon & Emily R. Hajjar (2014) Clinical consequences of polypharmacy in elderly, Expert Opinion on Drug Safety, 13:1, 57-65, DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2013.827660

Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board