Is this proof pill-pop pping Britain should STOP TAKING THE TABLETS

Yes, they help save so many lives. But in the first of a two-part investigation, we reveal how medication is being massively over-prescribed — and may even do more harm than good. So. . .

We Are taking more pills than ever — and the trend shows no sign of abating. Last year, the nHs prescribed more than 1.1 billion items — almost double the number ten years ago.

And that figure doesn’t include medication dispensed in hospitals.

As many as 20 prescriptions are now written per head of population each year — a rise of a third in just a decade, the Mail reported last week.

Meanwhile, more than half of over- 65s take five or more different prescription pills a day. some take more than 20.

yet many of the most commonly prescribed drugs are controversial and have been linked to risks that some experts say outweigh the benefits.

Take cholesterol- lowering statins. At more than 37 million prescriptions a year, atorvastatin is the most prescribed medicine in the UK — yet a study published last week in the Annals of Internal Medicine concluded too many healthy older patients take statins.

Those who have a 10 per cent risk of cardiovascular disease over the next ten years are prescribed the drugs. But, according to researchers, the benefits outweigh the risks only in those with a 14 to 22 per cent risk.

Last weekend, Health secretary Matt Hancock revealed he had ordered a review into our reliance on prescription drugs, warning that a ‘small army of people’ from drug companies was pushing their use. He wants GPs to do more ‘social prescribing’ — such as joining walking groups.

In the first of a unique twopart prescription pill audit, Good Health asked the experts for an update on some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the UK.

Today, JO WATERS looks at some of the big ‘blockbuster’ pills for heart conditions and indigestion. next week, she examines painkillers.