Polypharmacy Guidance: appropriate prescribing, making medicines safe, effective and sustainable 2025 - 2028
Overview
Polypharmacy (use of multiple medicines) can be appropriate or inappropriate. Polypharmacy becomes inappropriate when the medication risks begin to outweigh the benefits for an individual, and this is the important area to consider rather than the number of medicines an individual is taking alone. The aim of addressing this is to identify those at greatest risk of harm and to agree a medication regimen that is tailored to their changing needs and expectations, so that the use of medicines is safe and person-centred.
This Prescribing Guide is intended to support clinicians and shared decision-making for people taking multiple medications in the most appropriate use of medicines, whilst applying the principles of value-based healthcare and realistic medicine.
This consultation provides an opportunity for all interested parties to comment on the draft guidance.
Read the consultation paper. The consultation paper contains full background information for this consultation. You may find it useful to read or refer to while responding.
Useful information about responding to this consultation
As you complete your response, each page will provide the option to 'Save and come back later' at the bottom. This means you can save your progress and return to the consultation at any time before it closes. If you don't use this feature and leave the consultation midway through, your response will be lost.
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An analysis report will usually be published some months after the consultation has closed. This report will summarise the findings based on all responses submitted. It will be published on the Scottish Government website and you may be notified about it if you choose to share your email address with us. You can also join our consulation mailing list where we regularly list newly published analysis reports (as well as new consultations).
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