Author Lisa Johnson RN, BSN, CCP
Polypharmacy is defined as taking more than five medications per day. As the population ages and with an increase in chronic illness, the necessity to take medications is increasing. According to the CDC (Products - Data Briefs - Number 347 - August 2019, n.d.), over 20% of individuals over age 40 take five or more pills per day. Not only is it common for individuals to take multiple prescription medications, but many also take over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and other supplements that can complicate the routine even further. You might think, “ok, so what’s the big deal?”
Managing multiple medications can be confusing and potentially dangerous. Medications are meant to have a specific effect on the body, but there is a potential for side effects. The more medications one takes the more side effects that may occur. Taking more than one medication also increases the risk of interactions between the drugs.
While this may seem a bit overwhelming, there are several ways to reduce your risk and keep safe.
1) Take your medications as prescribed and on schedule.
• When picking up your medication at the pharmacy, confirm the dosage and timing for each medication with the pharmacist.
• Keep a schedule of when your medications are due to be taken – keep a copy on your refrigerator for easy reference.
• Create a routine for taking your medication – this creates a habit and makes it less likely to forget.
• Consider using a pill organizer. This helps reduce the chance of taking the wrong pills or taking pills you’ve already taken for the day.
• Use a reminder alarm to keep on schedule. Pill reminder apps are now available for mobile phones.
2) Fill your prescriptions at one pharmacy
• Get to know the pharmacist, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
• If the cost of your drugs is a problem, talk to your pharmacist about options.
3) Make sure all of your medical providers know the drugs you are taking
• Make a list of your medications that includes the dose and how often you take the drug daily.
• Keep the list with you in your wallet or purse, and update the list each time a new drug is prescribed.
• When meeting with a new medical provider, present the list so that it can be added to your medical record.
• Make sure your medical providers know your allergies.
4) Let your medical provider know if you are having any problems with your medications
• If you experience a side effect after taking your pills, notify your medical provider immediately.
• If you think you are experiencing an allergic reaction, call your provider. If you experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately by calling 911.
Para obtener información en español, visite este sitio:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/espanol/adultos-mayores-uso-seguro-medicamentos
Azhagesan, C. (2017) Role of nurse in polypharmacy. Nursing & Health Care International Journal 1(4): 000123.
Hales , C. M., Servais, J., Martin, C. B., & Kohen, D. (2019). Prescription drug use among adults aged 40–79 in the United States and Canada. NCHS Data Brief, No. 347. Retrieved March 2, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db347-h.pdf
Polypharmacy is defined as taking more than five medications per day. As the population ages and with an increase in chronic illness, the necessity to take medications is increasing. According to the CDC (Products - Data Briefs - Number 347 - August 2019, n.d.), over 20% of individuals over age 40 take five or more pills per day. Not only is it common for individuals to take multiple prescription medications, but many also take over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and other supplements that can complicate the routine even further. You might think, “ok, so what’s the big deal?”
Managing multiple medications can be confusing and potentially dangerous. Medications are meant to have a specific effect on the body, but there is a potential for side effects. The more medications one takes the more side effects that may occur. Taking more than one medication also increases the risk of interactions between the drugs.
While this may seem a bit overwhelming, there are several ways to reduce your risk and keep safe.
1) Take your medications as prescribed and on schedule.
• When picking up your medication at the pharmacy, confirm the dosage and timing for each medication with the pharmacist.
• Keep a schedule of when your medications are due to be taken – keep a copy on your refrigerator for easy reference.
• Create a routine for taking your medication – this creates a habit and makes it less likely to forget.
• Consider using a pill organizer. This helps reduce the chance of taking the wrong pills or taking pills you’ve already taken for the day.
• Use a reminder alarm to keep on schedule. Pill reminder apps are now available for mobile phones.
2) Fill your prescriptions at one pharmacy
• Get to know the pharmacist, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
• If the cost of your drugs is a problem, talk to your pharmacist about options.
3) Make sure all of your medical providers know the drugs you are taking
• Make a list of your medications that includes the dose and how often you take the drug daily.
• Keep the list with you in your wallet or purse, and update the list each time a new drug is prescribed.
• When meeting with a new medical provider, present the list so that it can be added to your medical record.
• Make sure your medical providers know your allergies.
4) Let your medical provider know if you are having any problems with your medications
• If you experience a side effect after taking your pills, notify your medical provider immediately.
• If you think you are experiencing an allergic reaction, call your provider. If you experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately by calling 911.
Para obtener información en español, visite este sitio:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/espanol/adultos-mayores-uso-seguro-medicamentos
Azhagesan, C. (2017) Role of nurse in polypharmacy. Nursing & Health Care International Journal 1(4): 000123.
Hales , C. M., Servais, J., Martin, C. B., & Kohen, D. (2019). Prescription drug use among adults aged 40–79 in the United States and Canada. NCHS Data Brief, No. 347. Retrieved March 2, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db347-h.pdf
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