Be alert to dangerous drug interactions

Learning more about dangerous drug interactions could save your life.

For example, many people may assume that it’s okay to take an over-the-counter remedy with a prescription drug, but this decision could provoke a serious health risk.

"Patients often mistakenly believe over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies are safe under all circumstances because they can buy these products at the supermarket or health food store without a prescription," said Andrew Garling, M.D., senior vice president of clinical operations for AdvancePCS, a health improvement company.

"Most common non-prescription therapies can have serious effects when taken with certain prescription medications."

The potential for dangerous interactions is huge. About two-thirds of the nation’s population currently uses medicines. According to government estimates, Americans buy nearly $11 billion in over-the-counter drugs annually. The sale of herbal remedies represents a market exceeding $2 billion ––excluding vitamins and minerals.

Surveys commissioned by AdvancePCS confirm many people are unaware that common––and seemingly harmless––herbal remedies and over-the-counter medications can be dangerous when combined with certain prescription medications. For example:

Taking a prescription blood thinner, such as Coumadin, with an herbal remedy containing garlic, could cause uncontrolled bleeding and/or excessive bruising.

Combining prescription pain relievers containing acetaminophen, such as Percocet or Darvocet, with non-prescription cold remedies containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol Cold or Contact Cold, could cause liver damage.

Taking St. John’s Wort, a natural remedy for depression, with a prescription anti-depressant such as Prozac, could cause agitation, confusion, sleeplessness, and elevated blood pressure.

"Your health care professional can help you use medications safely and properly – if you keep him or her informed about all the prescription and over-the-counter remedies you are taking," Garling said.

He recommends that people keep a written record of all prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, and vitamin supplements they use so it’s easy to share the information with their physicians and pharmacists. members. Classes will be conducted from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Conejo Valley YMCA, 4031 N. Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks.

For more information, please call (805) 523-7613.