What is Polypharmacy?
Polypharmacy is a term referring to too many medications,
meaning patients taking multiple medications that may be
used to treat the same thing. This is becoming an ever
increasing problem among the geriatric population that can
prove to have damaging even fatal results. This is not an
intentional action. There are many reasons people may be
taking ‘too many medications”

How It Happens?
1. Patients see multiple physicians.
2. Patients use multiple pharmacies
3. Recent discharge from hospitals, rehab centers, or nursing homes.
4. Patients don’t have a correct understanding of what the medications they
are taking are or why they are taking them.
5. Patient’s have a psychiatric condition, mental condition, or memory
condition that doesn't’t allow for adequate organizational skills.


Who it Happens To?
The Elderly Population
Blind or vision impaired
The mentally Retarded
People with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
People who take multiple medications

How To Protect Yourself Or Someone You Know:
1.  Have a current list of medications you are taking on your person when
you are visiting with a physician.
2.  Have your most recent medical records available for your physician to see.
3.  If recently hospitalized have your discharge paperwork available.
4.  Know what you are taking and why you are taking it!       
5.  If you have multiple physicians, make sure they are aware of each
other and check with them if prescribed a new medication.

The most important Thing You Can Do To Prevent This From Happening Is To
Be Educated About The Medications You Are Taking. If You Ever Have Any
Questions About Your Medications You Should Contact Your Physician
Immediately.