Polypharmacy refers to the use of a patient. The term can be used when too many forms of medication are used by a patient, more drugs are prescribed than clinically warranted, or even when all prescribed medications are clinically indicated but there are too many pills to take (pill burden). The common result of polypharmacy is increased adverse drug reactions and higher costs. This often results when people go to multiple physicians or pharmacies for their medical/medication needs, but can happen when someome only sees one doctor, as well. Severe adverse drug effects can result in serious life-threatening situations. Polypharmacy is most common among the elderly, but can potentially affect anyone taking more than one medication.
