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Polypharmacy & Deprescribing medications was discussed at the NEPHO June provider POD meetings. An important messages is that the single most important predictor of medication related problems is the number of medications taken by a patient, both prescription and OTC. Adverse drug reactions, medication errors and drug interactions are increased when polypharmacy (> 5 medications) exists while medication adherence decreases.
Successful tapering, switching and/or discontinuation of medications requires time, planning, good communication and coordination between patients, caregivers and other healthcare providers. It is a systematic process that should be individualized for each patient. Pharmacists / Prescriber Newsletters provide some guidelines for appropriate use, switching and Tapering of Common Oral Medications.
Contact Carol Freedman RPh, CGP at 978-236-1774 or cfreed@nhs-healthlink.org for more information or assistance in deprescribing and tapering medications for your patients. | 
