More than 1 in 5 older U.S. adults were potentially at risk of a major drug-drug interaction from 2021 to 2023, according to a study published Sept. 24 in JAMA. Researchers analyzed nationally representative data from community-dwelling adults ages 62 to 85.
Here are five things to know:
- Prescription polypharmacy increased. The prevalence of prescription medication polypharmacy rose from 31% in 2015-2016 to 35.7% in 2021-2023. Researchers defined polypharmacy as concurrent regular use of at least five medications or supplements.
- Potentially major drug interactions declined. Use of potentially major interacting drug regimens fell from 25.7% to 22.3% during the study period.
- Antidepressants were the most common class involved in potentially major interactions. In 2021-2023, antidepressants accounted for 7.21%, followed by statins at 5.23% and antiplatelet therapy at 4.47%.
- Opioid and benzodiazepine interactions declined. Interacting regimens involving opioid analgesics fell from 5.56% to 4.04%, while those involving benzodiazepines declined from 2.05% to 0.87%.
- Muscle relaxant interactions increased. The prevalence of interacting regimens involving muscle relaxants rose from 1.35% to 2.49%.
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
