Polypragmasy as a therapeutic problem among palliative and geriatric patients

Polypharmacy is a global therapeutic problem, with various medical definitions. Even though there is no universal description of this phenomenon, it is consistently connected with improper use of medications. Studies show an increase in the population of people older than 65 years. These patients constitute, aside from geriatric care, 85% of the palliative care patients. They often suffer from various chronic diseases and require therapy that involves multiple medications. This results in an increased exposure to negative effects of polypharmacy such as: loss of kidney function, increased risk of falls and bone fractures, compromised control of anticoagulant therapy resulting in thromboembolic complications or increased symptoms of urinary incontinence. These adverse effects can lead to a deterioration of the patient’s general condition, which emphasises the need for careful risk and benefit assessment before introducing a new treatment. We should also remember that the number of prescribed medications correlates with medication non-adherence. To avoid therapeutic mistakes, during the process of treatment planning, one can use widely available tools such as: Beers criteria, STOPP/START criteria, or the KtoMaLek Internet service.