Tenfold increase in excessive prescribing of multiple drugs

Excessive prescribing of multiple drugs to patients has increased tenfold over a 15-year period, according to a new study.

Between 1997 and 2012, there was a substantial increase in the prescribing of regular medicines, particularly among older people, the analysis of all claims made under the medical card schemes during the period has found.

The findings by researchers from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland have implications for the health service, as heavy prescribing is associated with higher costs to the State, more doctor visits and potential health complications for patients.

Fourfold increase

There was a fourfold increase in the number of patients prescribed regularly with five or more medicines (known as polypharmacy) and a tenfold increase in the amount of excessive polypharmacy (10 or more medicines prescribed).

Almost a third of older people were on at least five medications while one-fifth were subject to excessive prescribing – 10 medicines or more.

The study, published in BMJ Open, says a number of factors are behind the trend.

Patients are more likely to have multiple conditions rather than a single ailment, and there may be a growing acceptance that the medicalisation of older age is of benefit to patients.