Written By: Kenneth Dandurand
Edited By: Dr. Sneha Gawali-Keeys
Background of prescriptions in the US:
In the last 15 years, the annual number of prescription medications dispensed in the US has almost doubled to 6.5 billion. In Part, this increase in the number of prescriptions is driven by the rapid growth in discovery of new medications. Other factors such as aging population, patient demand, and multiple prescribers are also major contributing factors.
About 22% of patients use five or more meds:
Medications are the most frequent therapy used by doctors. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and the Canadian Health Measures Survey show that 22% of patients between 40 -79 years of age, use 5 or more medications (1). While treatment gains from prescription use are significant there is a wide range of negative outcomes including drug interactions and side effects that result in emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and even death. In addition, many times patients are prescribed additional medications to treat side effects of their current medications that complicate treatment plans.
What is the correct number of medications for patients?
So, what is the correct number of medications that will deliver the best care for patients? The best way to approach this question is to look at ways to prioritize prevention rather than treatment. Examples include vaccinations, weight reduction and exercise.
Think of a pharmacist as your “medication coach”
Other methods to ensure your medication use is optimal is to conduct regular medication checkups with a personal clinical pharmacist. Think of this pharmacist as a “medication coach” who can eliminate “low value” medication use (medications that have a potential for harm greater than their benefit). Your clinical pharmacist can help prevent adverse drug events and reduce out-of-pocket costs. A recent study (2) in patients with high blood pressure showed, that blood pressure was controlled better with lifestyle coaching as compared to adding more medications, validating less can be more. It is important to note that reviewing the need for any medication is a priority for safe and effective healthcare for patients
Get connected to a licensed clinical pharmacist today:
If you are someone who has multiple medications or sees multiple doctors, you can learn more about clinical pharmacists that are available to talk to you over a video call to ensure your medication load is accurate. Click Here to Learn More
Sources:
JAMA Network Open. 2022;5(5):e2212397. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.12397 (R)May 18, 2022 1/12Downloaded From: https://jamanetwork.com/ on 05/18/2022
About the Author:
Kenneth Dandurand, RPh, MS
Co-Founder and CEO of Clinical Pharmacy Associates, Inc. and Co-Founder and President of MedNovations, Inc. Board Member Asperger/Autism Network
Ken is an ASHP residency trained clinical pharmacist with a BS from Northeastern University and a Master’s from Oregon State University. As an entrepreneur and researcher for 35 years he co-founded Clinical Pharmacy Associates and MedNovations successful leaders in providing direct pharmaceutical care via tele-pharmacy. He is dedicated to improving the delivery of medication therapy management to consumers. To that end, Ken has authored a chapter in the Book “Misadventures in Health Care: Inside Stories” titled “Prescription for Error.”