[5] For people with a life-shortening or terminal illness, such as a dementia, it is important to consider when to discontinue medications used to prevent future serious events.
Drug discontinuation may be difficult to adjust to, owing to the long term use and the symbolism associated with ceasing medications, such as the decision to stop chemotherapy.
Withdrawal of anti-hypertensive drugs in older people The latest evidence does not have evidence of an effect due to discontinuing vs continuing medications used for treating elevated blood pressure or prevention of heart disease in older adults on all-case mortality and incidence of heart attack.
[8] The findings are based on low quality evidence suggesting it may be safe to stop anti-hypertensive medications.
However, older adults should not stop any of their medications without talking to a healthcare professional.