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Polypharmacy in Multiple Sclerosis: Current Knowledge and Future Directions
Joanie Thelen1, Valeriy Zvonarev2, Sarah Lam3
1Department of Psychology, University of Missouri - Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri (UMKC KCMO).
Missouri Medicine
|June 21, 2021
Summary
Polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications, affects many people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). This common issue in PwMS is linked to worse health outcomes and requires more research and clinical attention.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Public Health
Background:
- Polypharmacy (≥5 daily medications) is prevalent in older adults, causing adverse events.
- People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) frequently use multiple medications due to MS symptoms and comorbidities.
- 15-65% of PwMS meet polypharmacy criteria, experiencing fatigue, cognitive issues, and reduced quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on polypharmacy in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To discuss the clinical implications of polypharmacy in PwMS.
- To identify future research directions for managing polypharmacy in MS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on polypharmacy in multiple sclerosis.
- Analysis of associations between polypharmacy and patient-reported outcomes in PwMS.
- Synthesis of findings for clinical practice and research recommendations.
Main Results:
- Polypharmacy is common in PwMS, with prevalence ranging from 15% to 65%.
- Polypharmacy in PwMS correlates with increased fatigue, cognitive impairment, and lower quality of life.
- Despite negative impacts, polypharmacy in MS is an under-researched area.
Conclusions:
- Polypharmacy poses significant risks for PwMS, impacting their health and quality of life.
- Clinical attention to polypharmacy management in MS is crucial.
- Further research is needed to address and mitigate polypharmacy in the PwMS population.
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