A study shows medication use in New Zealand can harm, as well as heal

Otago University research shows older people, and those on multiple prescriptions, are most at risk of medication-related harm.

Reviews of more than nine thousand GP patient records found almost a quarter of prescriptions resulted in harm.

Outcomes ranged from minor - such as vomiting - to severe, which included renal failure and morphine overdose.

Three even resulted in death.

Author Sharon Leitch says the study highlights the importance of only taking medicine if needed - and reinforces the need for vigilance over even routine use.