Polypharmacy

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Polypharmacy

By Linda Bryant
Polypharmacy
[Image: Fraser Williamson]

For older people and frail people, the long-term benefit of medicines reduces and the potential for harm from adverse effects increases. When the benefit–risk balance changes in this way, medicine review and optimisation are important to simplify the therapeutic regimen, reduce inappropriate medicines and minimise risks. In this article, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant uses two case studies to illustrate important considerations during medicine reviews

This How to Treat has been endorsed by the RNZCGP and has been approved for up to 2 credits for continuing professional development purposes (2 credit, Educate small, BACK panel - grey
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