Increase in Polypharmacy Among Older Adults in the US (2021-2023)
A recent study reveals that over one-third of older adults in the US are affected by polypharmacy, highlighting safety concerns.
Polypharmacy rates among older adults rose from 31.0% to 35.7% between 2021 and 2023.
Use of over-the-counter medications decreased, while dietary supplement use increased.
The study emphasizes the importance of addressing medication safety and interactions.
A new study published on September 24 in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates that polypharmacy, defined as the concurrent use of multiple medications, has impacted more than one-third of older adults in the United States from 2021 to 2023. Conducted by Dima Mazen Qato and colleagues at the University of Southern California, the research analyzed data from nearly 5,000 participants aged 62 to 85 years, comparing medication usage patterns from 2015-2016 to those from 2021-2023.
The findings reveal that the overall use of prescription medications remained relatively stable, with 84.2% in 2015-2016 compared to 84.8% in 2021-2023. Similarly, dietary supplement usage showed little change, increasing slightly from 65.6% to 66.8%. However, a notable decline in the use of over-the-counter medications was observed, dropping from 60.1% to 55.1%. In contrast, the prevalence of polypharmacy involving prescription medications rose significantly, from 31.0% to 35.7%, alongside an increase in dietary supplement polypharmacy from 12.6% to 16.7%.
The study also noted a decrease in the use of potentially dangerous drug regimens, with major drug-drug interactions declining from 25.7% to 22.3%. This reduction was largely attributed to a decrease in the use of interacting prescription medications, which fell from 24.5% to 21.9%. Despite these improvements, the therapeutic classes most commonly associated with significant drug-drug interactions, such as antidepressants, statins, and antiplatelet therapies, remained unchanged during the study period. Notably, the use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines also declined, while muscle relaxants saw an increase in concurrent use.
These findings raise critical concerns regarding medication safety among older adults, as highlighted by Qato, who emphasized the necessity for ongoing efforts to mitigate polypharmacy and harmful drug interactions. The focus should particularly be on commonly prescribed interacting regimens, especially those involving antidepressants, to enhance the safety and well-being of this vulnerable population.
Looking ahead, healthcare providers are encouraged to reassess medication regimens for older patients, aiming to reduce polypharmacy and improve overall health outcomes. Continued research and policy efforts will be essential to address these challenges and ensure safer prescribing practices for older adults in the United States.
