Experts urge medication reviews as polypharmacy rates rise among Australians

A recent report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reveals that 1.9 million Australians are regularly prescribed five or more medications, a condition known as polypharmacy that affects men and women equally across age groups. The practice is most prevalent among those aged 75 and older, with 40 per cent of that cohort affected. While multiple drugs can be appropriate for complex health needs, experts warn that the likelihood of harmful side effects rises with each additional medicine.

They point to a quarter-million hospital admissions each year linked to drug-related problems and highlight the importance of pharmacist-conducted home medication reviews and stronger communication between healthcare providers. The Australian Deprescribing Network and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia stress that current system barriers hinder comprehensive medication management.