Health It is important to ensure that prescription drugs and any over-the-counter products that we use are necessary and continue to be required. Even over-the-counter drugs can interact with prescribed medications. Many products that were formerly “recommended” are no longer indicated to keep us healthy. Research evidence now shows that since many foods in Canada and the U.S. are fortified with vitamin and mineral supplements, individuals following a healthy diet and lifestyle do not need daily multivitamin supplements. Recent studies suggest that taking extra vitamin D may be unnecessary, except for patients with certain conditions. Taking 81 mg of Aspirin daily was thought to be useful in preventing heart attack and stroke in persons with no history of cardiovascular disease, yet research now shows that the drug is only useful in prevention for those who have already had a stroke or cardiac problem. Lipitor and the other statin drugs intended to lower cholesterol levels are proven to reduce the risk of cardiac or vascular events, but there is no evidence of this proof in those over the age of 70 who do not have diabetes or a cardiovascular condition. Any start or cessation of a drug should always be discussed with your doctor. Drugs prescribed at one time – possibly years ago –may no longer be necessary or may be reduced in dosage, thereby reducing the risk of side-effects or drug interaction. My neighbour, also a retired physician, was taking a drug to prevent another attack of gout which he had experienced two years earlier. Soon after he started taking the drug, he began experiencing loose stools and underwent some investigation with negative findings. Following routine blood uric acid level tests, he had his drug dosage cut in half while still maintaining a normal uric acid level. The symptoms disappeared and he has had no further attacks of gout. Many drugs can be associated with side-effects when taken in combination with something else. The most notable is alcohol. Always check that the drug which you’re taking is not on the list of those that should not be taken with alcohol. Those on Lipitor or any other statin drug for cholesterol control are warned against consuming grapefruit. Patients on drugs classified as ACE inhibitors for hypertension should avoid toomuch potassiumby limiting their ingestion of bananas, salt substitutes and orange juice. Many older adults who have suffered from “heartburn,” indigestion or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) 46 | www.snowbirds.org
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