Medication has been a predominate answer to many of the health problems facing our nation. Whether you have an ongoing illness or experience a one-time injury and require medication for the pain, you run the risk of a medication error if proper care is not followed.

A major concern is with medication interactions. Medication interactions refer to two or more drugs interacting with each other, either prescription or non prescription. It also refers to drugs interacting with what you eat or drink. Depending on the situation, the interactions could cause adverse or weakened effects of the medication or dangerous side effects to your body.

To give you an idea of how common medication interactions have become, let us consider some facts about prescription and over-the-counter drug use today. Studies show that “in any given week, 4 out of 5 US adults will use prescription medications, over the counter drugs, or dietary supplements of some sort.” Most adults take multiple medications and the number of drugs taken by elderly people has significantly increased. When taking into account how wide spread our prescribed medication and over-the-counter drug market has become it is important to know that “at least 1.5 million preventable adverse drug events occur each year.” And, many less serious medication interactions are not even reported so this fact is largely underestimated.

Learning about our society’s vast use of drugs can help us see how the medication interaction concept is a major concern and should be treated with seriousness. Take for example some of the most prescribed medications out there. Most of us have heard of Plavix, a blood thinner often advertised on TV. But did you know that mixing Plavix with aspirin, a common over-the-counter drug, can lead to excessive bleeding? Studies also show that grapefruit juice effects over 50 prescription drugs by hindering the enzymes that normally break down the drugs, in turn allowing more medication to get into the blood stream. These interactions should be avoided at all costs.

In order to reduce medication errors and medication interactions, it is beneficial for others to know what drugs you are prescribed or what vitamins and over-the-counter drugs you usually take. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and family or friends that help with your daily medication should all be aware of your medication records. One of the easiest ways to make them aware is to have a medication ID card or prescription card. These cards conveniently display your medications on a wallet sized card so that you and others have access to the card at all times. A CapsulCard is a great example of a medication ID card. The CapsulCard can be created online, updated as frequently as needed, and shipped to you in an easy to handle method. The card lists your healthcare providers’ names, medicine regimen, and pharmacy name all in one central spot. Having your personal medical record on you is great for doctor’s visits or in the unfortunate case of an emergency.

Taking action to reduce medication errors is a vital step for everyone. It will help doctors when it comes time to prescribe you medications, it will assist pharmacists when it comes time to fill medications, and it will help you or the individuals responsible for administering your medications. A medication card is a great way to reduce medication interactions so take the first step and create your own CapsulCard today!

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