Polypharmacy in winter: safe use requires oversight
In the winter, many people temporarily take extra medication for colds, flu or pain. For those already taking multiple drugs, such as those for cardiovascular disease, diabetes or lung disease, this can create unintended risks. The combination of drugs from different prescriptions is called polypharmacy. According to the KNMP and the NHG Standard on Polypharmacy in the Elderly (knowledge resources for pharmacists), this is common in people over 65 and requires extra medication monitoring.
Why winter brings extra risk
In cold months, we see more use of painkillers, nasal sprays and cough medications. These seem harmless, but can affect existing medications. For example, painkillers like ibuprofen can reduce the effect of blood pressure reducers or cause stomach upset when using blood thinners. Over-the-counter drugs containing pseudoephedrine (for colds) can also increase blood pressure. Therefore, we check every new prescription and self-care combination for possible interactions, double medication and contraindications.
The role of your pharmacist
Apothecaries use guidelines from the Pharmacotherapeutic Compass and KNMP protocols to safely combine therapies. Through the Pharmacotherapeutic Consultation, pharmacists and general practitioners regularly coordinate treatments to avoid duplicate medication and simplify use. The pharmacist sees the entire medication history, including from other specialists, and can therefore see if medications affect each other.
💡 An example:a patient with heart failure is given a new anti-inflammatory drug. The pharmacist sees that this along with urinary pills can lead to dehydration and immediately consults with the physician. This prevents an adverse reaction before it occurs.
Please ask us to check your medication history
Do you use multiple medications or also self-care drugs? Then have your medication overview checked at the pharmacy. That way you keep an overview, reduce the risk of side effects and go safely into the winter. More information can be found at Apotheek.nl and KNMP.nl.
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