BackBe Aware of Drug Interactions
Article submitted by Maxwell Medical Pharmacy.
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Older adults use prescription medications approximately 3 times as frequently as the general population, and the use of non-prescription medications by this group is even more extensive. As a result, medication-related incidents are beginning to endanger the health of the older adult population, filling emergency rooms and hospitals, and contributing to an ever increasing number of deaths due to adverse drug reactions and medication allergies.
These medication-related incidents include reactions between prescription and non-prescription drugs, herbal products and dietary supplements, certain foods and beverages, as well as poor compliance and confusion by the patient. The incidence of adverse drug reactions increases with age, as older adults often take more medications than younger adults and children.
The following tips are recommended to help ensure your safety when taking multiple medications and other health-care products:
- Make sure your physician and pharmacist know all the medications you take, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, herbal and dietary supplements.
- Read drug interaction labels on all prescription and other medication labels.
- Check online sources for the potential side effects and drug interactions for the medications you are taking.
- Consult your physician or pharmacist before taking herbal products or other alternative remedies.
- Tell your physician or pharmacist if you have ever had a bad reaction or an allergy to a medication or if a health care provider has ever told you not to take a specific medication again.
- Discard any medications that have passed their expiration or "use by" date.
If you experience problems after taking a medication, discontinue it and call your physician immediately. Lastly make sure that all health care providers who are involved with your care are aware of all the medications that you are taking as well as your spouse, children, or caregiver.