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Review
. 2020 Aug;43(4):114-120.
doi: 10.18773/austprescr.2020.033. Epub 2020 Aug 3.

Deprescribing in older people

Affiliations
Review

Deprescribing in older people

Michelle Liacos et al. Aust Prescr. 2020 Aug.

Abstract

Deprescribing is the process of discontinuing drugs that are either potentially harmful or no longer required. It can be achieved in older people and may be associated with improved health outcomes without long-term adverse effects. The risk of drug withdrawal effects can often be mitigated by carefully monitoring and gradually tapering the dose. Deprescribing should ideally be a shared decision-making process between the patient and the prescriber.

Keywords: aged; deprescribing; drug withdrawal symptoms; falls; polypharmacy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: none declared

Comment in

References

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