What Is Polypharmacy?
Polypharmacy is the use of multiple prescriptive and
over-the-counter drugs. Polypharmacy results in a
higher risk of adverse effects, drug interactions,
extended hospital stays, and reduced compliance.
Polypharmacy may be complicated by:
 | dosages that are too high or too low; |
| medications incorrectly prescribed or filled; or |
| herbal medications interacting with physician- | |
| prescribed medications. |
| Polypharmacy can result in an adverse drug | |
| event, yet many such episodes can be prevented. If you’re concerned that you may be at risk for polypharmacy, ask your physician or pharmacist for a complete medication review |
Tips for taking your medicines…
 | Don’t stop taking your medication without checking | |
| with your doctor. |
| Don’t skip a dose, even if you are feeling better. |
| Ask your doctor what to do if you miss a dose. Never | |
| double to make up for a missed dose. |
| Notify your doctor of any side effects. |
| Take your pills at the same time every day. |
| Check with your pharmacist or doctor before taking | |
| any over-the-counter medicine. |
| Store medications at room temperature, away from | |
| moisture and sunlight. |
| Do not store medications in the bathroom or car. |
| Fill all prescriptions at one pharmacy to prevent | |
| receiving drugs that should not go together. |
| Invest in a medication reminder box if you are taking | |
| multiple medications or need to be reminded if you have or have not already taken your medications. |
| Keep a current list of any allergies and all medications | |
| you take routinely in your wallet or purse (including any herbal or over the counter medications). |
| You will be given specific instructions on the | |
| medications prescribed for you. |