In recent years there has been a growing recognition in clinical literature, in the popular press, and in health policy circles that misuse of medications is creating serious health problems, disabilities, and death at an alarming rate. This "silent epidemic" can appear in a variety of situations - when a person is prescribed the wrong medication for his or her medical condition or age, the right medication in the wrong dose, or two or more medications that interact with dangerous, unintended side effects.

The resulting physical and mental effects can make people feel worse instead of better, less functional, more confused, and less able to care for themselves. And, it is costing billions of dollars and thousands of lives. Even when the outcome is not death, medication-related problems decrease quality of life by affecting the mind's and body's ability to function normally. Click here for more details.