To curb overprescribing for seniors, researchers urge annual prescription checkups

Article excerpt

A new Canadian guideline recommends annual prescription checkups to tackle overprescribing in seniors, where roughly two in three adults 65 and older take five or more medications. While these complex drug regimens are often necessary, they can trigger dangerous side effects and diminish quality of life. The guideline aims to address a mounting public health concern by encouraging healthcare providers to routinely review medications rather than simply adding new ones.