Are you at risk for adverse drug interactions?
According to Mayo Clinic and Olmsted Medical Center researchers, nearly 70% of Americans take at least one prescription medication. Out of this, 50% take two prescription medications and 20% take FIVE or more prescription medications.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 100,000 American’s die annually from reactions to prescription drugs. Out of the 4.4 billion prescription medications dispensed in the U.S. each year, 50% are not taken correctly.
Studies indicate preventable medication errors harm 1.5 million Americans each year.
Many adverse drug interactions are connected to over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Many people never consider the potential risk of combining OTC medications with their prescription medications.
Some of the most widely used OTC medications include:
- Cough medicine/decongestants
- Antihistamines
- Pain and fever relievers
- Antacids and anti-gas products
According to pharmacist Robert Baker, these OTC medications pose potential for adverse drug interactions with many commonly prescribed cholesterol and blood pressure medications, such as statins and diuretics.
Ingredients and interactions to be aware of
Baker has shared a few interactions and ingredients to be aware of…
