A polypill is a medication that is a combination drug of multiple active ingredients. It can often be aimed to be consumed widespread in the population, even currently healthy ones, as a means of preventive medicine. It often contains four or more active ingredients, with the intention of reducing the number of tablets or capsules (generally orally administered) that need to be taken, which in turn may facilitate handling and administration of the drug. When used for preemptive use, the dosages are naturally relatively low compared to what is administered to people already having disease or significant risk factors.
The term polypill, coined in 2003 by Nicholas Wald and Malcolm Law was aimed at prevention of cardiovascular disease. The term has since gained broader acceptance, being used for other conditions as well, such as diabetes. A 2011 study reported a sizeable reduction in systolic blood pressure and in LDL cholesterol after twelve weeks of polypill, with minor side effects.
Read more about Polypill: Cardiovascular Polypill, Treatment of Population Risk, Polypill For Diabetes and Syndrome X, Cost Effectiveness