Protecting Yourself From Drug Interactions

Prescription medicines can be lifesavers for people with serious diseases. But many people have to take several medicines to treat different problems. Taking many medicines is called polypharmacy - and it is a growing challenge for older adults.

People over 65 make up just 13 percent of the U.S. population, but they take about 30 percent of all prescription medicines. On average, older adults take between three and five prescription medicines every day. Many also take over-the-counter medicines and supplements. The more medicines they take, the more likely they are to have problems with interactions.

Each year, thousands of seniors are hospitalized from taking a dangerous mix of medicines. If you learn how to use medicines wisely, you can avoid this problem.

How does this happen?
Older adults are at risk for drug reactions and interactions for a number of reasons. They:

• Tend to take more medicines than younger people. This increases their risk for problems.
• Don't handle drugs as well as a younger person, so even a standard dose may be too strong.
• May see different doctors for different conditions - and may not tell each doctor what medicines they're taking.
• May not take their medicines the way they should. They may be forgetful, or may not understand the instructions. Some take larger doses on purpose, thinking it will help them get better faster.
• Often don't realize that over-the-counter remedies can have powerful effects. This includes common medicines like aspirin, as well as herbs, supplements and even vitamins and minerals. These can cause problems when taken with some prescription medicines.

How can I prevent problems taking my medications?
Learn about your medicines and work closely with your doctors.

Know your medicines
When you get a new medicine, take time to learn about it. Read the label carefully and read the Drug Facts sheet. If you have any questions about your medicines, don't be afraid to ask your doctor or pharmacist. They are there to help.

It's important to know:

• The name of each medicine and what it is for
• How to take it (for example, with food or on an empty stomach?)
• How often and when to take it (e.g., if it's once a day, is it best to take it in the morning or at bedtime?)
• What to do if you miss a dose (can you take a double dose later or should you skip it?)
• Side effects to watch for and when you should call a doctor

Work with your doctor and pharmacist

• Keep a list of all the medicines you take. Be sure to include any over-the-counter drugs or supplements.
• Take the list (or the medications themselves) to each doctor visit and ask your doctor to go over it with you.
• Ask your pharmacist to run your list of medicines through a drug interaction checker.
• Use one pharmacy for all your prescriptions. This will make it easier to catch problems ahead of time.
• Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you take any new over-the-counter medicine, herb or supplement.

Related Articles How Well Do Your Medicines Mix? Managing Your Meds in Your Senior Years Medication Safety for the Elderly Why You Need to Take Your Meds

External Source Williams CM. Using medications appropriately in older adults. American Family Physician. 2002;66:1917-1930. Accessed October 3, 2007.

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