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Drug Interactions

Did you know that 10% to 15% of hospital admissions are due to medication-related problems? Drug interactions are one of them. You can avoid the risks associated with taking medication by being better informed.

What is a drug interaction?

It is a reaction that can occur at the same time or when certain foods are consumed with medication.

Interactions can:

• Increase the risk of undesirable side effects;
• Increase the effect of the drugs and make them dangerous or toxic;
• Produce a completely different reaction than the one expected;
• Reduce the effectiveness of a medication or even render it ineffective

If you take more than one medication, be it prescription, over the counter or natural products, you must be careful and ensure that they do not interact with each other or with food.

How to prevent interactions

Here is what you can do to prevent undesirable interactions

1. Always have an up-to-date list of your medications with you when visiting your family doctor, a specialist or in case of a trip to the emergency room. This list can help doctors treat you better. For example, you can inform your family physician of changes to your treatment made by a specialist or ensure the ER physician has all the information required to deliver the best care.
2. The PJC Health record contains a list of all your medications and allergies. It is updates automatically  to ensure it contains accurate information. The credit card sized PJC Health Record fits in your wallet and can be used at your family doctor, walk-in clinic or the ER. A self-adhesive magnet allows you to stick your PJC Health Record on the fridge to facilitate communication between ambulance attendants and emergency staff. It is free so ask your pharmacist for one today.
3. It is preferable to always do business with one pharmacy. In this way, your pharmacist ca all the information required to check for drug interactions.
4. Before dispensing a drug, you pharmacist analyzes your record and assesses the risk of interaction. He can prevent any potential risks by telling you the best time to take your different medications and/or warn you about interaction with over the counter medications. In some cases, your pharmacist may also call your doctor to find a solution.
5. Never take someone else’s medication, never keep them for later use, never reuse and never share them with another person.
6. Ask your doctor and pharmacist questions. Ask for written information about the drug and make sure you understand it well. People who are well informed about their medications use them more effectively.
7. Ask your pharmacist before using over the counter products.