Are You Taking Multiple Medications? Understanding Polypharmacy
ARE YOU TAKING MULTIPLE MEDICATIONS? UNDERSTANDING POLYPHARMACY Polypharmacy refers to the daily use of five or more prescription medications. It’s particularly common among adults managing multiple chronic conditions, often under the care of different doctors. This trend continues to rise, fueled by an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the influence of pharmaceutical advertising. According to the CDC, the majority of U.S. adults over 40 take at least one prescription drug, and 22% rely on five or more. If this sounds familiar, keep reading. Below are excerpts from the February 1, 2025 Harvard Health Letter (my go-to source) article by...