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Polypharmacy in three different spontaneous adverse drug event databases
Summary
Polypharmacy increases adverse drug events, particularly in older adults. Improving polypharmacy management in Japan is crucial for patient safety and preventing adverse events.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacovigilance
- Geriatric Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Polypharmacy is a significant global healthcare challenge, notably in Japan.
- Managing multiple medications increases the risk of adverse drug events (ADEs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the current landscape of polypharmacy.
- To investigate polypharmacy trends using international spontaneous adverse drug event databases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of data from 2007-2015.
- Utilized three databases: Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report (JADER), FDA Adverse Drug Event Reporting System (FAERS), and Canada Vigilance Adverse Reaction Online Database (CVARD).
Main Results:
- Mean drugs per report: JADER (6.62), FAERS (3.76), CVARD (3.44).
- Drug counts per report increased with age, peaking between 70-79 years across all databases.
- Older patients (≥80 years) experienced ADEs even with fewer prescribed drugs.
Conclusions:
- Polypharmacy is strongly associated with increased ADE reports.
- Urgent improvements in polypharmacy management are needed in Japan to mitigate ADEs.
- Vigilance for polypharmacy is essential in elderly patients (≥80 years) to prevent adverse events.
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