A study shows medication use in New Zealand can harm, as well as heal
A study shows medication use in New Zealand can harm, as well as heal
12 April 2021
Otago University research shows older people, and those on multiple prescriptions, are most at risk of medication-related harm.
Reviews of more than nine thousand GP patient records found almost a quarter of prescriptions resulted in harm.
Outcomes ranged from minor - such as vomiting - to severe, which included renal failure and morphine overdose.
Three even resulted in death.
Author Sharon Leitch says the study highlights the importance of only taking medicine if needed - and reinforces the need for vigilance over even routine use.
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