What does "polypharmacy" refer to?

Polypharmacy refers to the concurrent use of multiple medications, typically defined as taking five or more drugs simultaneously. This practice is often observed in patients with multiple health conditions or those receiving treatment for chronic illnesses. As patients age, the likelihood of polypharmacy increases, necessitating careful consideration of drug interactions, side effects, and overall medication management to ensure patient safety and effective treatment outcomes. Understanding polypharmacy is crucial for healthcare providers to optimize therapy and reduce the risk of adverse effects associated with taking many medications at once.