Drug Interaction
Today’s fast and celebrated achievements in medicine
make it easier and more efficient to treat disease and illness
with a variety of new and powerful prescriptions. Similarly,
medications that were once only available by prescription
are now available over the counter. With both of these new
realities, it is very important to understand drug interaction.
Drug interaction can do harm by negating the positive attributes
of the prescription and over-the-counter drugs you are currently
taking.
Pharmacies are taking bold steps in dealing with the issue of drug interaction.
Many local and chain pharmacies now track the medications that their patients
are on. In the event that a patient is prescribed a new medication, the pharmacy’s
computer will alert the pharmacist if the possibility of a bad drug interaction
presents itself. When a possible drug interaction threat is recognized, the pharmacist
can work with you and your doctor in order to find an alternative to the new
prescription. Likewise, many pharmacies now offer one-on-one counseling to patients,
so they may ask any and all pertinent questions without the worry of a possible
drug interaction.
Now that many former prescription medications are available over the counter
at prescription strength, the possibility of a drug interaction has increased
dramatically. It is essential that your doctor is aware of all the over the counter
medications you are taking. This will help determine what prescriptions should
be avoided to counter any possible drug interaction. Similarly, even though they
are not considered drugs, alert your doctor and pharmacist of any vitamin and
herbal supplements you may be taking, as these too can lead to possible drug
interaction.
It is imperative that all of the doctors you may be seeing for various treatments,
from the dentist to the endocrinologist, are all aware of what prescription and
over the counter drugs and supplements you are taking. Avoiding a dangerous drug
interaction is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle for years to come.
Disclaimer: Cliff Schaffer does not personally endorse or support any of the comments made within the writings of this article.
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