In geriatrics, deprescribing has become a very popular term. Deprescribing is simply reducing a patient’s medication burden by reducing and discontinuing medications. This is often done as the potential long term benefits of medication dwindle as a...
In this polypharmacy case study, I pick out some medications that we may be able to discontinue. An 88-year-old male is looking to reduce his medication burden. Current medications include: Aspirin 81 mg dailyFurosemide 10 mg dailyKCL 10 meq dailyOmeprazole 20 mg...
In long term care consulting, learning how to review and interpret medical records is an absolute must. It can also be incredibly helpful in other settings such as ambulatory care, community, assisted living, and hospital pharmacy. I’ve got three examples for...
Just like adding medications can lead to adding more medications (prescribing cascade), we can think of this strategy in reverse in an attempt to try to stop polypharmacy. Stopping medications can lead to stopping more medications. Let me provide you with some proof!...
On a previous post, I laid out some strategies to reduce medication use. As a consultant pharmacist who has worked extensively in long term care and assisted living, I am routinely asked if we can reduce someone’s medications. Reducing medications is something I...