Medication plays an important role in managing disease. But what happens when it’s being overused?
Nearly two-thirds of Canadians 65 years of age and older are receiving five or more different prescription drugs, which can increase the risk of side effects and interactions, leading to patient burden, morbidity and hospitalizations.
On Oct. 29, College of Pharmacy faculty members Dr. I fan Kuo, Dr. Silvia Alessi-Severini, Dr. Jamie Falk and Dr. Christine Leong took part in a Café Scientifique called “Polypharmacy: Are we overmedicating older Canadians?” at McNally Robinson Booksellers to explore this important topic.
Over 100 members of the public heard from panelists on the latest research on the use of medication and potential harm, as well as the ways research can drive advancement of clinical knowledge and improve patient care of older adults.