The impact of sex and gender on prescribing cascades in older adults

Prescribing cascades occur when an adverse drug event is misinterpreted as a new medical condition, leading clinicians to prescribe an additional medication. Studies using ICES data have detected a number of common prescribing cascades, particularly among older adult populations. These findings have contributed to international initiatives aimed at optimizing prescribing practices in this population, with the goal of minimizing the risk of drug-related harms. Examining prescribing cascades through a sex and gender lens will better inform guidelines and recommendations tailored to older men and women.