Posted: 01/19/09
Prescription discount cards have made some prescription medications more affordable for adults over 65. Unfortunately, access to those medicines may increase interaction risk for some. According to a recent report, as many as 4 percent of older adults inappropriately combine prescription drugs with over-the-counter (OTC) medications - resulting in more than 175,000 ER visits each year.OTC meds and supplements have limited drug safety information, but that doesn't keep senior prescription drug users - many who take at least five different prescription medications - from using them. Researchers stress that patients who self-medicate with over-the-counter drugs or dietary supplements should consult with their physician or pharmacist - especially older people since they are more vulnerable to the negative effects of medications.
The study found that the most common adverse interactions occurred with blood thinners such as warfarin and antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin. Other common adverse drug reactions include:
- Lisinopril (Prinivil) plus potassium can elevate blood-potassium levels and disrupt heart rhythm.
- Warfarin (Coumadin) plus simvastatin (Zocor) can increase bleeding risk.
- Warfarin (Coumadin) plus aspirin can increase bleeding risk.
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor) plus niacin can cause muscle weakness, muscle breakdown.
- Simvastatin (Zocor) and niacin can cause muscle weakness and muscle breakdown.
- Ginkgo plus aspirin can increase bleeding risk.
Related Links
Medline Plus: Drug Combinations Putting Seniors at Risk
