Comments for consumers

This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.

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Australian Prescriber Vol. 34 No. 6 2011

Stopping unnecessary medication

Some patients, particularly the elderly, may be taking multiple medicines. In some cases not all of these medicines are needed. It may be possible to stop some of them.

Medicines should not be stopped suddenly without asking a health professional. This is because some medicines cause severe symptoms when they are stopped. These medicines need to be reduced slowly.

Stopping medicines which are not required can benefit patients. They will save on the cost of prescriptions and will not be at risk of side effects from a medicine that is no longer needed.