Abstract

Deprescribing is a systematic process with the goal of identifying medications in a patient’s treatment regimen with an unfavorable balance of benefits and harms, and to discontinue or reduce the dose of these medications. The ultimate aim of deprescribing is to proactively prevent potential medication-related problems and therefore improve patients’ quality of life. Although deprescribing is commonly employed in older adults with multimorbidity and polypharmacy, it can be useful in all patients using multiple medications. To ensure the effectiveness of deprescribing, engaging the patient, and if necessary their caregivers, in shared decision making is essential.