Polypharmacy in older people: time to take action

Abstract

The management of polypharmacy in older patients involves a paradigm shift that abandons the disease as the axis of health care towards an integral approach linked to multidisciplinary work, dedication and specifc preparation for medication prescribing in these patients, and a focus on medication reconciliation in transitions of care. Knowing how to face the challenge of polypharmacy and its consequences for patients, healthcare systems and society is everyone’s responsibility and its success will depend on the involvement of all professionals.