Which of the following is a common risk associated with polypharmacy?

The increased risk of drug interactions is a well-recognized risk associated with polypharmacy, which refers to the concurrent use of multiple medications, typically five or more. As the number of medications prescribed to a patient increases, the likelihood of drug interactions also increases. These interactions can occur between the various medications, potentially leading to adverse effects, reduced therapeutic efficacy, or altered drug metabolism.

Understanding drug interactions is crucial for healthcare providers, especially when managing patients with chronic conditions who may require several medications. This awareness helps in assessing the safety and effectiveness of drug regimens, ensuring that patients receive optimal therapeutic outcomes while minimizing risks.

In contrast, other options such as decreased drug efficacy, improved medication adherence, and enhanced therapeutic effects do not typically arise as common issues in the context of polypharmacy. Instead, polypharmacy often complicates medication management and can lead to adherence challenges, where patients may struggle to take numerous different medications consistently.