Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol

Patients show mixed feelings on deprescribing heart and diabetes drugs, survey finds

November 24, 2025

A Dutch survey of 160 older primary care patients found that attitudes toward deprescribing differ significantly across medication types. Patients viewed stopping statins and antihypertensives more favorably than discontinuing sulfonylureas or insulin, which were perceived as less appropriate to stop.

Clinical takeaway: Deprescribing conversations should be tailored to the specific medication class and aligned with patient preferences, incorporating shared decision-making and clear communication of potential risks and benefits.

Source:

Stuijt PJC, et al. (2025, November 14). Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. Patients' Attitudes Towards Deprescribing Differ Across Specific Cardiovascular and Diabetes Medication: A Survey Study Assessing Within-Patient Differences. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41236132/