Mixing meds can make a dangerous cocktail

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According to the CDC, about 60% of Americans take at least one prescription medication, and 36% take at least three.

One thing doctors have to consider when prescribing meds is whether they will interact with any drugs the patient is currently taking.

“If the coordination of care is not done well, a drug-drug interaction could be overlooked,” explained Dr. Michael Weiner. He is both a researcher and a professor of medicine at Indiana University Medicine.

When meds interact in a negative way, it could change the effectiveness of a drug that’s meant to help you. What’s worse, it could be dangerous to your health.

“These drug interactions can have a wide range of effects that can range from mild to deadly,” Dr. Weiner said.

He said patients can help themselves by doing three things.

“Know the drugs you’re taking, and why you’re taking them, that’s first. Second, bring the drugs to your doctor’s visits. And third, ask your health care professionals if any of these drugs will interact with each other.”

If you start a new medication or change the dosage of one you are already taking, look for any unusual symptoms. If you experience something out of the ordinary, contact your doctor quickly.

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