title: Polypharmacy and medication-related complications in the chronic kidney disease patient.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Medication-related problems are very common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Identification, prevention and management of these problems require a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach. This article reviews the recent literature regarding medication-related problems in CKD and proposes initiatives for addressing these problems through a structured review process and use of patient-centered adherence-promoting strategies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pharmacist-conducted medication review and intervention programs are successful at identifying and resolving medication-related problems in CKD patients. These programs are associated with a reduction in the number of medications and frequency of hospitalization, and are associated with maintenance of quality of life. However, adherence continues to be a major medication-related problem in CKD care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Structured medication review and assessment of adherence assist in identification and resolution of medication-related problems in CKD. More research is needed on successful methods to improve medication adherence and related health outcomes.
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1065, USA. nmason@umich.edu
authors.forename: Nancy A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Mason
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D004347:Drug Interactions; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D059065:Medication Reconciliation; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D019338:Polypharmacy