/d_650_0206.jpg)
1.8 Million Pharmacy Visitors Require Intensive care Due to Polypharmacy
Over 13 million people utilized public pharmacies between November 2024 and October 2025, with a important portion requiring long-term medication. According to data from the SFK (Stichting Farmaceutische Kengetallen), 8.3 million of these pharmacy visitors – 60% of the total – are considered chronic users. Within this group, 1.8 million patients (14% of all pharmacy visitors) are classified as “care-intensive,” also known as polypharmacy patients.
Care-intensive patients are defined as those chronically using medications from five or more different therapeutic groups (ATC3 level). Chronic use is resolute by either receiving a prescription for the same therapeutic group more than three times a year, or being dispensed a quantity sufficient for at least ninety days of use. Notably, approximately 240,000 care-intensive patients utilize substances from ten or more different drug groups.
These care-intensive patients have an average age of 71, significantly older than both chronic users (51 years) and occasional users (40 years).Their medication regimens primarily focus on cardiovascular disorders and related conditions, common ailments in older populations.
The most frequently used drug groups among care-intensive patients are antacids (72%), followed by antithrombotics and cholesterol-lowering agents (both 66%). Beta blockers are used chronically by half of these patients. Additionally, a substantial number also regularly use laxatives (31%) and medications for asthma/COPD (24%).
This data highlights the growing need for focused care and management strategies for this vulnerable patient population.
