Define the term "polypharmacy."

Polypharmacy refers to the practice of using multiple medications by a patient, particularly when this involves various prescriptions that may not be necessary for the patient’s condition. This is most commonly seen in the elderly or those with chronic health issues, where patients may be prescribed several medications to manage different health problems. The concern with polypharmacy is that it can lead to increased risks of adverse drug interactions, side effects, and complications due to the complexity of managing multiple drugs.

As patients take more medications, the likelihood of interacting effects rises, which can complicate treatment regimens and complicate the overall meaning of the therapeutic approach, potentially harming patient health rather than helping it. Understanding polypharmacy is crucial for healthcare professionals, as it requires careful assessment and management to ensure patient safety and medication efficacy.