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4 clusters · 14 sources · 8 days · First seen · Last updated

Global health risks and rising trends in polypharmacy

Overview

Polypharmacy, the simultaneous use of five or more medications, remains a critical global health risk for elderly populations. Recent research published in JAMA by the University of Southern California highlights that in the United States, the percentage of adults aged 62 to 85 taking five or more prescription medications rose from 31 percent to nearly 36 percent over the last decade. This trend is compounded by an increase in the use of multiple dietary supplements, which grew from 12.6 percent to 16.7 percent.

While the prevalence of major drug-drug interactions in the U.S. saw a modest decline from 25.7 percent to 22.3 percent, more than one in five older adults remains at risk for significant interactions involving antidepressants, statins, and antiplatelet therapies. Globally, between 39% and 45% of seniors are categorized as using polypharmacy. In Brazil, prevalence rates range from 18% to 57%, while in Europe, the average rate for individuals over 65 is 36.2% according to the SHARE aging study.

New research indicates that polypharmacy is a major driver of hospitalizations, with up to three in ten emergency admissions for seniors linked to medication regimens. Furthermore, over 70% of elderly individuals practicing polypharmacy are taking at least one potentially inappropriate drug. Chrysanthi Sardelli, a professor of Clinical Pharmacology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, emphasizes that the issue is not merely about drug quantity, but is a “critical issue of safety, drug interactions, and the correct selection of treatments,” noting that the definition encompasses prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and herbal remedies.

Entities

National Institute on Aging · Dima Mazen Qato · Chrysanthi Sardelli · World Health Organization · Shi Chung-liang

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 6 sources
    Polypharmacy poses significant risks to elderly hospital admissions

    Up to 30% of emergency hospital admissions for the elderly are linked to medication, with many taking potentially inappropriate drugs through polypharmacy.

  2. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Medication safety concerns rise for chronic disease patients

    Health officials warn of increased medication risks for chronic disease patients, highlighting dangers of self-discontinuing drugs and the complexities of polypharmacy in fragmented medical systems.

  3. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Polypharmacy poses health risks to elderly populations

    Polypharmacy affects up to 57% of elderly Brazilians, increasing risks of falls and adverse reactions. Experts urge regular medical reviews and deprescribing to avoid dangerous medication cascades.

  4. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    USC study finds rising medication use and drug interaction risks in older Americans

    A USC study finds that polypharmacy is rising among older Americans, with nearly 36% of adults aged 62-85 taking five or more prescription drugs, leaving over 20% at risk for major drug interactions.

Sources

aend.de · agriniosite.gr · athina984.gr · chumbogrossomanaus.com.br · corfutvnews.gr · emvolos.gr · heartbeats.jp · insider.gr · knowridge.com · peoplenews.tw · planetaosasco.com · sofokleousin.gr · time.news · wzmq19.com

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history