Abstract:

Polypharmacy is an important and growing problem in the modern world. With increasing life expectancy and the advances in medicine, multiple drugs are increasingly being prescribed to patients with chronic diseases. Many of them suffer from negative consequences associated with the excessive use of medications. As the number of medications prescribed grows, the risks of adverse drug reactions and the likelihood of harm increases, reaching as high as 100% for those taking eight or more medications simultaneously.
Regular review of the therapeutic regimen, better communication between medical professionals, and patient education are key to managing polypharmacy and reducing the associated complications. Physicians should pay special attention to the indications, benefits, and potential risks in patients taking multiple medications. These risks can be minimized by identifying the problem, especially among high-risk patients. Physicians have the obligation to address this problem through a variety of methods and means to improve patients’ quality of life.

Keywords: polypharmacy, polypragmasia, drug interactions, chronic diseases, adverse drug reactions.