Deprescribing is the process of tapering, reducing, or stopping medications that may no longer be beneficial or might be causing harm. The goal of deprescribing is to reduce the medication burden and improve patient quality of life by ensuring that medications are used appropriately.
The ByWard Family Health Team (BWFHT) offers a Deprescribing Program that uses a shared decision-making approach between the patient, prescriber, and any caregivers. This program uses evidence-based deprescribing resources and is led by our Clinical Pharmacists. Common medications that may be eligible for deprescribing include vitamins, natural products or supplements, Proton Pump Inhibitors, Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs, Opioids, Antipsychotics, Antihyperglycemics, Aspirin, Antidepressants, Antihypertensives and many others.
You will meet with a pharmacist from the BWFHT to discuss your deprescribing plan with follow up appointments as needed to monitor your progress. The pharmacists will communicate with your primary provider to ensure that they are aware of your medication changes.
If you are an Ontario resident, rostered to a family physician or nurse practitioner at the BWFHT and have 1 or more medications you feel could be deprescribed, ask your provider for a referral to our Deprescribing Program.
Please have a list of all your medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, natural products) ready for your initial appointment.
- Comprehensive medication review and reconciliation at initial appointment
- Discussion of patient/caregiver goals
- Assessment of medications that are eligible for tapering and deprescribing
- Medication dose reduction or cessation where feasible
- Temporary prescriptions for symptom management, as needed, provided by the pharmacist
- Regular follow-up appointments with the pharmacist to monitor progress until the process is completed
- Communication with your provider as need and at the conclusion of the deprescribing process
Is the appointment in-person or by phone? Virtual and phone appointments are preferred, however, an in-person appointment can be arranged if needed.
- Should I keep taking my acid reflux medication? – Click here to learn more
- Is a Proton Pump Inhibitor still needed? – Click here to learn more
- Is a Benzodiazepine or Z-drug still needed for sleep? – Click here to learn more
- Is an Antipsychotic still needed? – Click here to learn more
- Is an Antihyperglycemic still needed? – Click here to learn more
- Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing network – Click here to learn more
