Optimizing medication therapy in elderly patients: The impact of medication review using STOPP and START criteria version 2

<b>Background:</b> Higher prevalence of inappropriate medication use among cancer patients increases risk of drug-related problems(DRP) like drug-drug interactions, ADR, and non-adherence. Potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) and Potential Prescription Omission (PPO) were identified using Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions (STOPP) and Screening Tool to Alert Doctors to the Right Treatment (START) criteria. <b>Objectives:</b> The study objective was to optimize prescriptions for the elderly by analyzing the impact of medication review. <b>Methods:</b> An observational study in which PIM and/or PPO were identified and the prescriptions were optimized by a physician. <b>Results:</b> Out of 150 patients, a total of 35 drugs were stopped and 12 drugs were started. Medication omissions were identified in 12 patients (8%). There were no DRPs associated with medication adjustments. <b>Conclusion:</b> Based on a pharmacist-led comprehensive medication review of the elderly, the STOPP and START criteria allow the optimization of prescriptions.