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Polypharmacy in Multiple Sclerosis: Prevalence, Risks, and Mitigation Strategies.
W Daniel Chapman1, Megan C Herink2, Michelle H Cameron3
1Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA. wdanielchapman@gmail.com.
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|July 31, 2023
Summary
Polypharmacy, using 5+ medications, is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and linked to poor outcomes. Healthcare providers should assess medication appropriateness and risks to mitigate harm in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Polypharmacy (≥5 medications) is prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
- Multiple medications are used for MS symptom management, increasing risks.
- These risks include drug-drug interactions and additive side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence and risks of polypharmacy in multiple sclerosis.
- To offer strategies for identifying and mitigating inappropriate polypharmacy.
- To guide healthcare providers in optimizing pharmacotherapy for MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of research on polypharmacy in multiple sclerosis.
- Analysis of medication class-specific contributions to inappropriate polypharmacy.
- Identification of risk factors and negative outcomes associated with polypharmacy in MS.
Main Results:
- Polypharmacy is common and associated with negative outcomes in multiple sclerosis.
- Specific medication classes contribute to potentially inappropriate polypharmacy.
- Multiple sclerosis patients are at significant risk for polypharmacy-related issues.
Conclusions:
- Multiple sclerosis providers must evaluate pharmacotherapy appropriateness and risks.
- Deprescribing should be considered within the context of individual patient needs.
- Mitigating polypharmacy is crucial for improving patient outcomes in multiple sclerosis.
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