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FEBRUARY 19, 2008 — Since the death of actor
Heath Ledger and the confirmation that he died of an accidental
overdose of prescription drugs, the risks associated with mixing
medications is once again in the spotlight.
“Americans are taking more prescription and other medications
than ever before,” says William Dalsey, M.D., Chairman of
the Emergency Department at Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood.
In fact, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services,
at least half of all Americans take one or more prescriptions drugs,
and one in six take three or more. Those figures jump for when it
comes to those 65 and older, with five out of six people taking
at least one medication, and nearly half taking three or more.
“The problem,“ according to Dr. Dalsey, “is that
many people don't consider or realize the risk of side effects from
mixing medications – that are helpful on their own –
with other drugs, and in some cases with vitamins or herbal supplements.“
So what can people do to avoid adverse side effects from medications?
Kimball Medical Center offers the following tips:
· Ask your doctor about the potential side effects of any
medication before you take it. Be sure to read, understand and follow
all the directions and information that you're given when you get
prescription drugs or buy over-the-counter medications.
· While many drugs can be taken safely together, it’s
important to let your doctor know all the medications you are taking,
including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements
to avoid potential interactions. If you do experience any reactions
to medications, or combinations of drugs, be sure to call your doctor
right away.
· Taking herbal or dietary supplements along with prescription
medications can sometimes affect the potency of your prescription
medications – making them more or less effective. It’s
important to realize that herbal supplements aren’t held to
the same standards as prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Many of these supplements haven't been fully tested, which can lead
to unexpected reactions when they're combined with other medications.
· If you're taking a drug and herbal supplement that work
on the same organ system or for the same condition, be extra cautious.
If you're taking an antidepressant, for example, it’s not
a good idea to take St. John's wort, an over-the-counter herbal
remedy for depression, without first talking to your doctor.
· Watch the ingredients in multi-symptom medications so
you don’t accidentally over-medicate yourself. Don’t
take acetaminophen, for example, if you’re already taking
a cold and flu remedy that contains that medication – it can
be harmful in large quantities. Also, antihistamine in cold and
flu medications can cause drowsiness and shouldn’t be combined
with sedatives or sleeping medications.
· Always double check your prescription before leaving the
doctor’s office. If the doctor told you he or she was prescribing
one medication, but another appears on your scrip, speak up and
find out why. It could be the doctor told you about the brand name
and prescribed the generic, but it’s important to check. Double
check again when filling your prescription, make sure you receive
what the doctor ordered and that the dosage is the same. While mistakes
may be rare, they can and do happen.
· Always store your medications properly. While the bathroom
medicine cabinet may be standard, a cooler, drier location in your
kitchen may be more appropriate. Certain medicines are sensitive
to heat, humidity, light and moisture. Medications improperly stored
can quickly break down and become less effective.
· Finally, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions
on how to take your medication. Up to half of Americans taking prescription
medications do not take them as prescribed, according to the Food
and Drug Administration, and that can lead to serious problems.
A missed dose of glaucoma medication, for instance, can result in
optic nerve damage or blindness. Not finishing the entire course
of antibiotics can lead to renewed infections, drug resistance and
the development of ‘super bugs.’ Never skip a dose or
take extra pills, always finish the entire course of medication,
and discard outdated or expired medications.
“It’s always important to know the potential risks
of any drugs you intend to take versus the intended benefits,”
says Dr. Dalsey, “and talk with your doctor or pharmacist
candidly about the possibility of drug interactions. Being proactive
when it comes to your health and any medications you might take,”
he adds, “can help you avoid the dangers of mixing medications
and keep you healthier overall.” For a referral to a physician
affiliated with Kimball Medical Center, call 1-888-SBHS-123.
Kimball Medical Center is an affiliate of the Saint Barnabas Health
Care System, the largest integrated health care delivery system
in New Jersey. Located in Lakewood, Kimball Medical Center is a
fully accredited, 350-bed facility offering the most advanced, ultra-modern
diagnostic and treatment services. Kimball offers comprehensive
rehabilitative services featuring The Balance Center and an advanced
sports medicine program. Kimball is also the recipient of the Magnet
Award for nursing excellence. The Center for Healthy Living at Kimball
offers a wide variety of programs and services for area families,
children and seniors, including community education programs, support
groups and school based initiatives.
CONTACT: Kristine A. Brown
Director of Public Relations
(732) 557-3902
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