You may think that over-the-counter (OTC)
medications are always safe. But if you are over 65 and also taking
prescription medications, this kind of thinking can get you into some trouble. The average number of prescription
medications taken by people over 65 is five or six, as you get older, it
increases and so does the potential for drug interactions.
So how can you find effective and safe relief from
arthritis and other pain, and cold or allergy symptoms? When in doubt, ask your pharmacist. If you have taken the medication before, it's
probably OK. But if it's new or your
other medication regimen has changed, check it out.
If you fill all prescriptions at one pharmacy, all
the important information about what you take and when you take it is in a
central location. Ask the pharmacist if any OTC or herbal medications will
interact with your prescriptions. They can tap into a computer, see what else
you take, and let you know right then and there.
Coughs
and colds are among the most common reasons for which pharmacists are consulted
for treatment. Over-the-counter cough
syrup can have significant side effects to those on various medications! There are cough
and cold remedies that seniors may be able to take as companies are coming out
with remedies specifically for people who are taking multiple medications.
The best advice when it comes to
choosing remedies is to talk to your doctor or the pharmacist. He or she can
help you find the best one.
Brought
to you by your LivingWell Coaches.
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