Internet Offers Many Ways to Avoid Harmful Drug Mixtures
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To protect against unintended drug interactions, make sure your doctors and pharmacists know "about every drug you are taking, including nonprescription drugs and any dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals and herbals," the Food and Drug Administration Web site advises.
But that doesn't let you off the hook.
Ultimately, patients bear the onus for keeping tabs of what they take. "It is just vital that patients keep a list of the medications they're taking," said Kasey Thompson, director of patient safety at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
Armed with that list, patients can call their doctor or pharmacist to ask whether it's safe to add a product. They can also do their own homework and -- as a first step -- check online for potential drug interactions. But because the alerts listed may be incomplete or not specific to your needs, it's smart to check that information with your doctor or pharmacist. Here are some free (with the exception of one site, as noted) online resources that may be useful:
Medication Information
American Pharmacists Association, drug information site, http:/
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, which offers tips and advice for using medications safely and effectively, http:/
As You Age: A Guide to Aging, Medicines and Alcohol, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, http:/
Consumer Reports Guides to Prescription, OTC and Natural Medicines, http:/
Drug Interactions: What you should know, FDA, http:/
Drugs@FDA, a database offering detailed information about all drugs approved by the FDA, http:/
Be an Active Member of Your Health Care Team, an FDA presentation, http:/
My Medicines, a form for listing your medications and supplements, http:/
