The Risk of Combining Drugs
Ever heard the saying, “Too much of a good thing can be bad”? Well, that can certainly be the case when it comes to medicines. When you take more than one medicine at the same time, they can interact with each other in your body. This is known as a drug interaction.
Now, not all drug interactions are bad. Some medicines are actually meant to be taken together because they work better that way. But other times, drug interactions can lead to unexpected side effects or make your medicines less effective.
For example, let’s say you’re taking a medicine for high blood pressure. But then you catch a cold and decide to take an over-the-counter cold medicine. Unbeknownst to you, the cold medicine interacts with your blood pressure medicine and causes your blood pressure to rise. Not exactly what you were hoping for, right?
That’s why it’s so important to be aware of potential drug interactions. If you’re prescribed a new medicine, make sure your healthcare provider knows about all the other medicines you’re taking. And if you’re considering taking an over-the-counter medicine or supplement, check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist first.
Remember, when it comes to medicines, it’s better to be safe than sorry. So, always be aware of potential drug interactions and don’t hesitate to ask questions. After all, it’s your health we’re talking about!