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.