If you're a senior taking five or more medications — a situation doctors call polypharmacy — you're not alone. More than 40% of adults over 65 take five or more prescription drugs daily. While each medication may be necessary on its own, the combination can create unexpected side effects, dangerous interactions, and confusion about dosing. At Pinnacle Health in Sun City, Dr. Annie Khurana specializes in medication management for seniors across the West Valley, including Peoria, Surprise, Glendale, and Sun City West.
What Is Polypharmacy and Why Does It Matter?
Polypharmacy simply means taking multiple medications at the same time. While there's no single "safe" number, the risk of adverse effects increases significantly with each additional drug. Common problems include:
- Drug-drug interactions where one medication changes how another works
- Side effects that mimic new health conditions, leading to even more prescriptions
- Increased fall risk from dizziness or drowsiness
- Difficulty keeping track of complex dosing schedules
- Higher out-of-pocket costs
Studies show that seniors taking five or more medications are nearly twice as likely to experience an adverse drug event compared to those taking fewer.
Warning Signs of Medication Problems
Some medication-related issues are subtle. Watch for:
- New or worsening dizziness or balance problems
- Confusion or memory changes
- Unexplained fatigue or weakness
- Digestive issues like nausea or loss of appetite
- Falls or near-falls
- Changes in mood or sleep patterns
Many of these symptoms get dismissed as "just aging," but they may actually be medication side effects that can be addressed through careful review and adjustment.
How a Medication Review Works
At Pinnacle Health, Dr. Khurana conducts a thorough medication review as part of your wellness visits. This includes:
- Reviewing every prescription, over-the-counter drug, and supplement you take
- Checking for drug interactions and duplications
- Identifying medications that may no longer be necessary
- Simplifying dosing schedules where possible
- Evaluating whether doses need adjustment based on kidney or liver function
- Coordinating with your specialists to ensure everyone is on the same page
Bring all your medication bottles — or a complete written list — to your appointment. This is one of the most important things you can do for your health.
Tips for Managing Your Medications Safely
Between visits, there are practical steps you can take:
- Use a pill organizer to keep track of daily doses
- Keep an updated medication list in your wallet or phone
- Take medications at the same time each day to build a routine
- Never stop a medication without talking to your doctor first
- Ask your pharmacist about interactions whenever a new drug is added
- Let every provider you see know everything you take, including supplements and over-the-counter drugs
Medicare Covers Medication Reviews
Many seniors don't realize that Medicare covers a comprehensive medication review as part of the Annual Wellness Visit and through Medicare Part D's Medication Therapy Management program. These reviews are fully covered with no out-of-pocket cost, making them one of the most valuable — and underused — benefits available to Medicare patients.
Serving West Valley Seniors from Sun City
Pinnacle Health is located at 10503 W. Thunderbird Blvd, STE 262, Sun City, AZ 85351. We serve seniors throughout the West Valley, including Peoria, Surprise, Glendale, Sun City West, and surrounding communities. Dr. Khurana's background in both family medicine and geriatrics makes her uniquely qualified to manage complex medication regimens for older adults.
Schedule Your Medication Review Today
Concerned about your medications? Don't wait for a problem to arise.
Call (623) 295-2952 or request an appointment online to schedule a medication review. We accept Medicare and most insurance plans.