Polypharmacy is the term used when multiple medications are being used to treat one or more conditions in a patient. It is most commonly used in elderly patients, and can lead to adverse effects, drug interactions and declining health. Medication reviews are undertaken by our geriatricians by communicating directly with the patient, so that drug-related problems can be identified and medications promptly revised. This review also takes into consideration the patient’s underlying condition and symptoms, which is needed in order to optimise and improve patient health outcomes.

The risk of drug-related problems increase with the number of medications, number of diseases and with age. Older patients are most likely to benefit from medication reviews as they are more vulnerable to complications and increased hospital admissions.