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
Appreciating gastrointestinal side effects of prescribed medications
Appreciating gastrointestinal side effects of prescribed medications

Prescribers need to be continually mindful of the potential harms from medication. Here, gastroenterologist Alan Fraser outlines the various gastrointestinal side effects of prescribed medications
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
Not a subscriber? Unlock this article by subscribing here.
1. Tomlin A, Woods DJ, Lambie A, et al. Ethnic inequality in non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐associated harm in New Zealand: A national population‐based cohort study. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2020;29:881–89.
2. Jahromi SR, Togha M, Fesharaki SH, et al. Gastrointestinal adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs in intractable epileptic patients. Seizure 2011;20(4):343–46.