Millions of older Australians at risk from multiple medicines, researchers warn

Key points

• Researchers from Adelaide University estimate around 2.3 million older Australians are dispensed medicine combinations linked to a higher risk of falls and fractures. More than 1.2 million are receiving combinations tied to kidney-related complications.
• The study, published in the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy, analysed Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme records from a 10 per cent random sample. Lead researcher Dr Imaina Widagdo urged patients not to stop their prescribed medicines.
• Instead, she advised seeking professional advice, with regular medication reviews by GPs and pharmacists recommended.