New data from the Netherlands shows a significant portion of the population relies on a complex regimen of prescription medications, raising questions about potential impacts on patient health and healthcare systems. More than 1.8 million people-roughly 14% of those visiting pharmacies-are considered “high-intensity care” patients, managing prescriptions from five or more therapeutic groups [[source]]. This trend, known as polypharmacy, is particularly pronounced among older adults and those with chronic conditions, according to recently released findings from the SFK.
More than 1.8 million patients in the Netherlands are considered “high-intensity care” patients, meaning they chronically use medications from five or more different therapeutic groups, according to recent data.
Approximately 240,000 patients are taking medications from ten or more different drug groups.
Around 60% of the 13 million people who visited pharmacies in the Netherlands used medication long-term. Nearly half (47%) used drugs chronically from up to four different therapeutic groups, while 14% fell into the high-intensity care category, utilizing medications from five or more groups. The findings were recently published by the SFK in the Pharmaceutisch Weekblad.
High-intensity care patients, also referred to as polypharmacy patients, are defined as those chronically using medications from five or more distinct therapeutic groups (ATC3 level). Chronic use is determined by receiving a prescription for a medication from the same therapeutic group more than three times a year, or receiving a supply lasting 90 days or longer. Patients using medications chronically from up to four different groups are classified as chronic patients. Those who use medication occasionally are considered incidental users.
High-Intensity Care Use
Between November 2024 and October 2025, public pharmacies dispensed medications to over 13 million people. A significant 8.3 million patients (60%) are long-term medication users. Within this group, nearly 6.5 million (47% of all pharmacy visitors) are classified as chronic patients, while 1.8 million (14%) are considered high-intensity care users. Roughly 240,000 high-intensity care patients are taking medications from ten or more different groups. The remaining 5 million patients (39%) are incidental medication users.
8.3 Million Pharmacy Visitors with Chronic Medication Use
High-intensity care patients have an average age of 71, significantly older than chronic (51 years) and incidental (40 years) medication users. This age difference is important as it highlights the connection between polypharmacy and the prevalence of age-related health conditions. These patients primarily use medications targeting cardiovascular diseases and related conditions, which are more common with increasing age.
Four drug groups are most commonly used chronically by high-intensity care patients. The most prevalent are acid-reducing medications (72%), followed by antithrombotics and cholesterol-lowering drugs (both 66%). Beta-blockers are chronically used by half of high-intensity care patients. In addition to cardiovascular medications, they also frequently use laxatives (31%) and asthma/COPD medications (24%) long-term.
Source: SFK
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