Polypharmacy refers to the use of multiple drugs, whether to treat a single condition or to treat multiple conditions (related or not). Polypharmacy may be necessary for many complex chronic conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, cancer, or severe mental health conditions. However, it can also be a concern because individuals may be prescribed more drugs than they need, the combined side effects could be harmful or burdensome, or potentially harmful drug interactions can occur. In some contexts, the term polypharmacy is used explicitly to indicate taking multiple drugs that are unnecessary for a condition.
