polyfarmácia

Polypharmacy refers to the concurrent use of multiple medications by a patient. This is often defined as taking five or more different medications regularly, though the exact number can vary. Polypharmacy is a common issue, particularly among older adults and individuals with multiple chronic health conditions.

The reasons for polypharmacy are varied. Patients may have several distinct medical problems, each requiring its own medication regimen. Prescribing cascades can also contribute, where a side effect of one medication is misinterpreted as a new symptom and treated with another drug. Over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and even herbal remedies can also be part of a patient's total medication list, sometimes without the knowledge of their healthcare providers.

While multiple medications can be necessary to manage complex health issues, polypharmacy increases the risk of adverse drug events, drug interactions, and medication non-adherence. These risks can lead to hospitalizations, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. Managing polypharmacy effectively involves regular medication reviews by healthcare professionals to ensure each medication is still necessary, appropriate, and dosed correctly. Deprescribing, the process of safely reducing or stopping medications, is an important strategy in managing polypharmacy.