Drug Interactions

________________________________________________________________________

KEY POINTS

• A drug interaction is a change in the way that a medicine works when you take it with another medicine. Alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact with your medicines.
• Keep a list of your medicines with you. List all of the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all of the products you are taking.
• Check for drug interactions any time that your medicines change. Try to get all of your prescriptions filled at the same place. Your pharmacist can help make sure that all of your medicines are safe to take together.

________________________________________________________________________

What is a drug interaction?

A drug interaction is a change in the way that a medicine works when you take it with another medicine. Alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact with your medicines. Some prescription and nonprescription medicines may have a drug interaction when taken together.

If you have a drug interaction, you may have an unexpected side effect:

• The drug may not work as well as it should.
• The drug’s effect may be increased.
• You may have different side effects.

Higher doses of medicine can sometimes cause more side effects.

What is the cause?

Any time you take a new medicine there is a chance it will interact with other medicines you take. To avoid problems caused by drug interactions, your healthcare provider and pharmacist need to know about all of the medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins, and other supplements you take.

How can I prevent drug interactions?

• Keep medicines in their original containers. Follow the directions that come with your medicine, including information about food or alcohol. Make sure you know how and when to take your medicine. Do not take more or less than you are supposed to take.
• Try to get all of your prescriptions filled at the same place. Your pharmacist can help make sure that all of your medicines are safe to take together.
• Keep a list of your medicines with you. List all of the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all of the products you are taking.
• Many medicines have side effects. A side effect is a symptom or problem that is caused by the medicine. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects your medicines may cause and what you should do if you have side effects.

If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Be sure to keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.