Polypharmacy becomes a problem when it is inappropriate. The community pharmacy team can identify potential harm when people are presenting to the pharmacy for their repeat prescriptions or looking to buy medicines over the counter. Helping patients understand the benefits and harms of medication is an important discussion to have both at the point of dispensing and as patients move across care transitions, as these are points where errors can occur.

Reflective exercise

Have you seen any patients in your pharmacy who you would regard as being at risk of harm from polypharmacy? 

• What did you do about this? 
• What will you do in the future?