While most prescribed or over-the-counter drugs we may take are meant to help or prevent certain illnesses, there is an ever-increasing problem in the incidence of drug reactions and adverse side-effects, or drug interactions. Each decade sees the approval of new medications designed to treat certain conditions, yet all drugs have the potential of causing adverse reactions either alone, or in combination with other drugs. Seniors in particular are at increased risk for potential side-effects because they are more likely to be taking more than one medication. The extended lifespan in Canada and other developed countries has, in large part, been due to advances in pharmacotherapy but, with our dependence on more drugs to help keep us healthy, the frequency of drug reactions is greater. The potential side-effects of drugs are numerous. The most common are nausea, diarrhea, skin irritation or itching, drowsiness and dry mouth. Rarer and more serious side-effects are bleeding, fainting and acute allergic or even anaphylactic reactions. Every drug, whether prescribed or over-the-counter, has the potential for an adverse side-effect. This can occur with effects of drug interaction as well. Fortunately for most of us, we will never experience the rare serious reactions. Health Drug Reactions by Dr. Robert MacMillan MD 44 | www.snowbirds.org
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