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The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care made a fact sheet to help health professionals manage Polypharmacy is when a person takes many medicines at the same time. This can be needed for some health problems, but it can also increase the risk of side effects. in patients with intellectual disability.
Polypharmacy is when a patient uses five or more medicines at the same time. It can lead to problems if it is not managed well. There are challenges for people with complex disability, and more than one disability.
Information about medicines can be hard to understand. People with intellectual disability may need extra help from health professionals. They need clear advice about what to take, when and how. They may also need help knowing about Side effects are things a medicine can do that you do not want. For example, the medicine might make you feel tired, sick, or sad . Before you start a new medicine, your doctor should tell you what the side effects might be. If the side effects you get are bad or different to what you expected, you should talk to your doctor again. .
The fact sheet can help health professionals communicate clearly. It can teach them how to help people with intellectual disabilities take all their medicines safely.
This resource was made by
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
The Commission leads and coordinates national improvements in the safety and quality of health care in Australia. It is part of the Health portfolio of the Australian Government.
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