If you or a loved one are taking multiple medications, you are not alone. Many people, especially older adults, have several health conditions that require different treatments. When you are taking a lot of medications at once, it can be hard to keep track – and even harder to know if they are really helping.
Taking lots of medications is known as polypharmacy, and while it’s sometimes necessary, it can also lead to serious health risks if not carefully managed.
What is Polypharmacy?
Polypharmacy refers to taking five or more medications at the same time. Medications may treat various conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, or chronic pain. In some cases, these prescriptions are made by different doctors, which can make things even more complicated.
While some people truly need multiple medications to stay healthy, others may be taking drugs that they no longer need, are causing side effects, or interact with each other in harmful ways.
Who is Most at Risk of Polypharmacy?
Polypharmacy can affect anyone, but it is especially common among:
- Adults 65 and older
- People with more than one long-term health condition
- Those living in nursing homes and long-term care facilities
- People who see multiple doctors or specialists
Why Should You Be Concerned About Polypharmacy
Taking too many medications may be a cause for concern and may lead to:
- Side effects like dizziness, confusion, or upset stomach
- Accidental drug interactions that make one or more of your medications less safe
- Falls, hospital visits, or even memory problems
- Difficulty keeping up with your medication schedule
Sometimes, people are prescribed new medications to manage the side effects of their other medications, a cycle that can quickly get out of control.
The good news? There are ways to simplify your medication routine and make sure the medications you take are safe and effective.
What is PGx Testing?
Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing is a simple test that looks at your DNA to see how your body processes certain medications. Your genes can affect how well a medication works for you and whether it might cause side effects.
PGx testing helps your doctor understand:
- Which medications are most likely to work well for you
- Which drugs might cause side effects or not work at all
- Whether you might need a higher or lower dose of a specific drug
With the information from a PGx test, your healthcare provider can make more informed and personalized prescribing decisions, possibly reducing the number of medications you need and helping you to feel better faster.
A Safer, Simpler Medication Plan
If you are experiencing challenges with your medications, it may be time for a medication review with your healthcare provider. Including PGx testing in that process gives your healthcare provider even more insight into what medications may be best for you so you can avoid the trial-and-error process and find the right medications faster.
About Genemarkers
Genemarkers is a CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited laboratory that works with healthcare providers to offer PGx testing to patients in need. Our PGx panels look at key genes that affect how your body processes certain medications. Our goal is to help patients feel better faster, with fewer side effects and unnecessary medications.
Do you want to learn if PGx testing may be right for you? Contact us to get started. We are here to help.