When someone is taking five or more medications on a regular basis, this is called polypharmacy. The United States has one of the highest rates of polypharmacy in the world, with as many as 65% of adults over age 65 falling in this category. Polypharmacy has been found to raise the risk of falls, weakness and even death. This is because multiple medications can interact or cause side effects like dizziness, confusion, and low blood pressure.
Independent reporting on drug recalls, medication safety and integrative health, including supplements. No pharma funding.
If you’ve experienced side effects or medication issues related to this topic, we want to hear from you.
Submit Your StoryDISCLAIMER: MedShadow provides information and resources related to medications, their effects, and potential side effects. However, it is important to note that we are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content on our site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Individuals dealing with medical conditions or symptoms should seek guidance from a licensed healthcare professional, such as a physician or pharmacist, who can provide personalized medical advice tailored to their specific circumstances.
While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented on MedShadow, we cannot guarantee its completeness or suitability for any particular individual’s medical needs. Therefore, we strongly encourage users to consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding any health-related concerns or decisions. By accessing and using MedShadow, you acknowledge and agree that the information provided on the site is not a substitute for professional medical advice and that you should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
Help fund our fight for improved medication safety and transparency by supporting our independent journalism.
Give NowWe seek to create a world where there are safer medications for all and where all people are fully informed about their medication benefits and side effects, using our explanatory and investigative journalism to both inform and stimulate public discussion to drive toward solutions.
Stream our library on demand, including insights on generic drugs and pain management, straight from experts.
WATCH NOWMedShadow.org is dedicated to empowering people with our evidence-based journalism about the safest ways to take over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription (Rx) medications.
We also seek to stimulate public discussion about potential improvements to drug research, manufacturing and distribution processes. and also to encourage the improvement of processes to ensure that we are all better protected.
As a result, we encourage other nonprofit newsrooms, mission-aligned outlets, and advocacy organizations to republish our original content under the following conditions:
1. We Are Credited Fully and Clearly
You must include the byline and credit MedShadow.org as the original publisher. Please include a link to the original article at the top or bottom of the piece. Use the following attribution:
This article was originally published by MedShadow, a nonprofit foundation that focuses on the safest ways to take over-the-counter and prescription medications.
2. Our Content Isn’t Edited Without Permission
You may make small changes for clarity, such as adjusting headlines, subheadings, or transitions, but you may not change the core meaning, tone, or intent of the article. For substantive edits, email us at republish@medshadow.org for review and approval.
3. You Do Not Sell Or Use Our Content Commercially
Our work is free to share, but it may not be sold, monetized, or repurposed for commercial gain. You may not republish our articles behind a paywall or in publications whose primary purpose is advertising or product promotion. You may not place drug or supplement advertising adjacent to our story.
4. Photos, Graphics, and Multimedia Are Not Used Without Permission
Only the text of the article is available for republication. Images, graphics, and videos may not be reused without explicit written permission, unless they are clearly marked as Creative Commons licensed. Contact us if you’d like to request reuse of a visual asset.
If you’re unsure whether your intended use falls within these guidelines, or would like to discuss a formal syndication or licensing arrangement, please email: republish@medshadow.org
We want our journalism to reach as many people as possible, especially those making critical decisions about medications and health.
For website editors
Copy the article body, including its formatting and links, then paste it into your publishing system. Add the byline and required credit described in these guidelines.
When someone is taking <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532953/">five or more medications</a> on a regular basis, this is called polypharmacy. The United States has one of the highest rates of polypharmacy in the world, with as many as <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2813802">65% of adults over age 65</a> falling in this category. Polypharmacy has been found to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532953/">raise the risk of falls</a>, weakness and even death. This is because multiple medications can interact or cause side effects like dizziness, confusion, and low blood pressure.
We think it’s invaluable — and hope you agree. Our work is made possible by donations from readers like you.
We think it’s invaluable — and hope you agree. Our journalism is made possible by donations from readers like you.
As a nonprofit, we don’t take a dime from pharmaceutical or supplement companies. That means we can report on the benefits, risks, and alternatives to prescription and over-the-counter drugs free from corporate pressure or influence.
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!