The number of older Aussies taking five or more different medications is increasing at an alarming rate, new research shows. Source: Pixabay It’s believed the increase could be attributed to a growing ageing population, but researchers say more work needs to be done to ensure medication management balances the benefits and potential risks of taking so many. Medicines purchased without a prescription such as vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements, or those not listed on the PBS, weren’t considered for the study. However, the use of the medications that were considered was “much higher” in Australia than in the United States or the United Kingdom. “There have been many awareness raising activities in recent times about the risks of taking multiple medicines and there is evidence of poor health outcomes in older people. However the number of older people taking multiple medicines has increased,” lead author Amy Page from the University […]