Drug Interactions
Prescription drugs are a wonderful thing, able to treat countless ailments and diseases, saving lives and making life more comfortable. However, in order for medicines to be used safely and effectively, it is essential to check drug interactions for every medicine taken, both over-the-counter and prescription.
Different types of prescription medications can have serious drug interactions. Such interactions can render one or more of the medications ineffective or can result in significant health complications, and in some circumstances, even death. Therefore, when taking a new medication, it is essential to mention to the prescribing health care provider all other medications being taken. Pharmacists also are able to offer information about drug interactions, so be sure to ask when filling the prescription. It never hurts to have a second opinion, and if your pharmacist does say something different from the prescribing health care professional, make sure to confirm that there was no mistake made by your health care provider.
Over-the-counter medications can also be a source of drug interactions, so it is a good idea to mention those to your health care provider and pharmacist, as well. Vitamins and other nutritional supplements, as well as herbal and natural health preparations, should be classified as over-the-counter medications, and their use also mention in conjunction with receiving a prescription for a new medication.
Foods can be another source of drug interactions. This is an important area to consider if taking prescription medications. Often this possibility isn’t paid attention to as much as it should be. Those who are taking medications for chronic conditions and thus, over the long-term, should be sure to discuss the potentials for certain foods to affect how well their medicine is able to do its job.
In order for medications to be able to perform their best, it is essential to take into consideration the potential for drug interactions. Drug interactions are not just limited to other prescription drugs. Over the counter medications, including nutritional supplements and herbal or natural remedies, and even food can cause drug interactions. Become an informed consumer.
Disclaimer: Cliff Schaffer does not personally endorse or support any of the comments made within the writings of this article. |
