Polypharmacy concerns
A COLLABORATIVE study of the prevalence of polypharmacy among Australians aged 70 years or more has revealed it to be as high as 36% to 46%.
Melbourne, Sydney and Perth researchers analysed 2017 PBS data relating to almost one million people.
Authors said their estimations were low because they did not allow for complementary medicines.
“Polypharmacy can be appropriate, but there is substantial evidence for its potential harm and the importance of rationalising unnecessary medicines, particularly in older people,” rearchers said - mja.com.au.