Poly pharmacy - A guide for staff

Poly pharmacy is when a person is taking 4 or more medications. It is often more common for a person with a learning disability as the person is more likely to have complex and multiple needs.

It is also often seen in older people as when we age, our health can begin to decline which can require more medication – or can be perceived to require more medication.

Poly pharmacy can have serious implications on a person’s quality of life.

This guide explains:

• what poly pharmacy is
  
• why it is a problem
  
• why it is more of a problem for people with learning disabilities
  
• how to take action against poly pharmacy