ALERT YOUR DOCTOR TO ALL MEDICATIONS
According to a new study which will be published in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association, at least 2 million older Americans are taking a combination of medications or supplements that can be a risky mix. The study found that one in ten older men are taking potentially harmful combination. The study notes that while the results aren't always or even necessarily disastrous, older people are more vulnerable to side effects and drug-to-drug interactions.
The study notes three commonly used and risky combinations:
* Lisinopril, a blood pressure medication, taken in conjunction with potassium. The combination of these two drugs can cause abnormal heart rhythms.
* Prescription cholesterol drugs ("statins") taken in conjunction with over-the-counter niacin, a type of vitamin B that also lowers cholesterol. This combination can increase the risk of muscle damage.
* Aspirin taking in conjunction with over-the-counter ginkgo supplements. The combination of these two over-the-counter remedies increases the chances for excess bleeding.
Experts advise that you should ask your doctor about any side effects of prescription drugs and inform your doctor before taking other medicines. Similarly, doctors should closely monitor what their patients are taking and advise their patients on potential interactions. Taking multiple medications, despite possible bad interactiosn, isn't necessarily a bad idea as long as patients are in close contact with their doctor.
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