In clinics and hospitals, managing multiple chronic diseases often means juggling a handful of medications sometimes five, ten, or more daily pills. This “polypharmacy” trend is rising, especially among older adults, and brings its own risks: adverse drug reactions, medication errors, lower adherence, and even drug-drug interactions that go unnoticed.
Doctors and pharmacists face tough decisions balancing treatment guidelines with real-world patient safety. When does helpful medication become harmful overload? How can practitioners optimize therapy without compromising outcomes?
New tools like automated drug interaction checkers and deprescribing protocols are helping, but education and patient involvement remain key. Should polypharmacy management be taught as a core skill in all health curricula? How can technology and teamwork prevent preventable harm?
Has anyone witnessed the downsides or the success stories of managing polypharmacy in practice? What strategies have worked best in streamlining patient therapy and reducing risk?
MBH/AB
