Poly-De-prescribing vs Polypharmacy - The Weapon to Fight an Iatrogenic Epidemic: An Overview

Abstract

This review will focus on the topic of de-prescribing, including factors which impede and promote its implementation, the attitudes of physicians and patients towards it, as well as the core recommendations of the International Group for Reducing Inappropriate Medication Use and Polypharmacy that were recently published as a position statement. Finally, I will delineate a comprehensive geriatric-palliative approach to inappropriate medication use and polypharmacy (IMUP) utilizing poly-de-prescribing-cessation of as many nonessential medications as possible. The overarching goal of this approach is minimizing harm, and improving quality of life in the twilight of life for many elderly patients. I will only briefly touch upon the problematic definitions of IMUP, the variety of their negative clinical consequences, and the key tools previously suggested for combating the epidemic, issues which have been extensively discussed and evaluated in past reviews.