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Global health risks and rising trends in polypharmacy

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2026-09-29 16:02 UTC → 2026-10-03 10:49 UTC · added removed

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. Pharmacologists warn that this combination adds complexity to the chemical processing of the aging body. 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%, with higher risks noted while in women, patients with multiple comorbidities, and those Europe, the average rate for individuals over 75. Common issues include 65 is 36.2% according to the inappropriate use of benzodiazepines, anti-inflammatories, and proton pump inhibitors. In Taiwan, officials noted SHARE aging study. New research indicates that medication-related issues 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 most frequent type Aristotle University of patient safety report. Experts highlight Thessaloniki, emphasizes that fragmented medical systems, where patients see multiple specialists, increase the likelihood issue is not merely about drug quantity, but is a “critical issue of duplicate prescriptions. To mitigate risks such as falls, mental confusion, and iatrogenia, medical professionals advocate for rational safety, drug use, deprescribing, interactions, and improved medical information sharing through AI the correct selection of treatments,” noting that the definition encompasses prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and community-based care. herbal remedies.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-03 10:49 UTC Global health risks and rising trends in polypharmacy
  2. 2026-09-29 16:02 UTC Global health risks and rising trends in polypharmacy
  3. 2026-09-27 15:32 UTC Health risks of polypharmacy in elderly populations

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