• Drug Ther Bull. 2016 Jun 1; 54 (6): 69-72.

AbstractMultimorbidity and associated polypharmacy present a significant and increasing challenge to patients, carers and healthcare professionals.(1,2) While it is recognised that polypharmacy can be beneficial, there is considerable potential for harm, particularly through drug interactions, adverse drug events and non-adherence.(1) Such harms are amplified in people who are frail and who may require interventions to be tailored to their individual needs rather than strictly following guidance designed to manage single diseases. It is important to develop an approach that allows patients to make informed decisions and prioritise medicines for continuation or discontinuation, in order to maximise benefit and minimise harm.(1)The term 'deprescribing' has been suggested in recognition that the skills utilised in stopping medicines need to be as sophisticated as those used when initiating drug treatment.(3) Key to deprescribing, as with all medical interventions, is the active participation of the patient to ensure that their preferences and choices are taken into account. Particular care is needed when end-of-life considerations apply, so that treatment is optimised and the burden of taking medicines is minimised.(4) Although evidence is sparse, this article provides some practical observations on deprescribing. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

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