Polypharmacy, the use of two or more prescribed medications over extended periods of time, is prevalent among the elderly. Diabetic patients are at risk for polypharmacy, because they typically have several co-morbidities. Therefore, it is important to monitor their drug regimens to minimize the negative consequences of polypharmacy. In this study, we examined the drug regimens of home health patients with diabetes to measure the prevalence of polypharmacy and to assess the likelihood of drug interactions, a consequence of polypharmacy. The sample consisted of 141 individuals with diabetes who were receiving home health services from the VNA of Greater Philadelphia. The study began in March 1998 and ended in September, 1999. Information regarding medications was collected by the home health nurse during the initial home visit. We found that the average number of medications taken was 8.9 (SD 3.4) medications per day. Age was negatively correlated with the number of medications per day. To assess drug-drug interactions, we used the formulary on www.dr.koop.com, an internet site with professional credentials and verified the results using the taxonomy proposed by Hansten and Horn. The average number of drug interactions was 8.6 (SD 7.3). The numbers of severe, moderate, and mild interactions are 0.7 (SD 1.1), 5.7 (SD 4.9), 2.3 (SD 3.1) respectively. We conclude that polypharmacy is a serious problem among patients with diabetes and possible drug interactions are substantial. Our results indicate that the drug regimens of elderly patients should be monitored systematically. Further research needs to investigate consequences of polypharmacy.
Learning Objectives: 1. Examine the prevalence of polypharmacy among home health diabetes patients 2. Identify the possibility of drug-drug interactions among this population 3. Recognize the need to monitor the drug regimens of this population to minimize drug interactions
Keywords: Drug Use Review, Diabetes
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Dr.Koop.com
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.