Inappropriate prescribing in older people: not only a patient safety issue but an avoidable source of environmental harm (24 June 2024)

Summary

Humans are consuming more medications than ever before as a result of technological innovation transforming the treatment of ageing-related and chronic diseases. This article looks at the environmental impact of inappropriate prescribing in older people, including on carbon emissions, the pollution of rivers and disposal of waste to landfill. Its authors argue that tackling inappropriate polypharmacy in older people will both improve quality of life and mitigate the environmental effects of medicines.