Polypharmacy

Polypharmacy

Poster

Maria Hristova, Nikol Stoyanova, Margarita Krasteva
Faculty of chemistry and pharmacy, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Sofia

Polypharmacy represents the use of many medications at the same time. They can be between 5 and 10. In most cases, but not in all, there are negative consequences. The reason for this is the incorrect over-prescription of medications in the presence of a more complex health condition. The problems with polypharmacy from the patient's point of view are: incorrect intake of medicine; taking too many medicines; taking the wrong medicine. It is important for the doctor and pharmacist to correctly distinguish between effective and ineffective polypharmacy, so that the prescribed treatment can have a beneficial effect on the patient, and not harm. The role of the pharmacist is of great importance in preventing problems related to polypharmacy: providing quality consultation; monitoring adverse drug reactions and possible drug interactions; providing additional information on the method of taking the prescribed drugs. Polypharmacy is a necessary ``evil''. Many diseases are treated with more than one drug, and it is often unavoidable to reach it. The goal is not to eliminate it, but with joint efforts on the part of doctors, pharmacists, patients to be optimized and safe, achieve clear therapeutic goals and not pose a serious health risk.
Keywords: Еffective polypharmacy, ineffective polypharmacy, doctors, pharmacists