Date: Fri 31-Jan-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: KAAREN

Quick Words:

health-drug-reactions-Ashlar

Full Text:

LEARNING HOW TO GUARD AGAINST DRUG REACTIONS w/ cut

B Y K AAREN V ALENTA

Nearly every family has a story about a problem some family member developed

while taking prescription medication. Often the story is about an elderly

members of the family. Cases of senior citizens becoming confused and

disoriented because of over-medication and drug reactions are increasingly

common.

"All medications have side effects - even aspirin," said Maria Lojko, a

registered pharmacist with the Pharmacy Corporation of America, who serves as

a consultant to Ashlar of Newtown.

Physicians prescribe specific drugs because they believe the benefits will

outweigh the risks of a possible reaction. Usually, that is the case.

"Whether or not you will experience a reaction, which one and how severe, is

unknown," Ms Lojko said. "Medicine is not an exact science. Drug reactions are

different for each person."

Ms Lojko spoke on "The Safe and Sane Use of Drugs" at a Lunch & Learn program

sponsored last week by Ashlar of Newtown and the Cyrenius H. Booth Library.

The luncheon meeting was held in the undercroft of Trinity Episcopal Church.

Seniors, because they use more prescription drugs than any other age group,

are at particular risk for adverse drug reactions, but it can happen to anyone

at any age, Ms Lojko said.

Because of this, it is important that your doctors and pharmacists should know

every drug that you are taking.

"Always use the same doctor for primary care, and when you go to a specialist

make sure that everyone is kept informed all of the medications you are

taking, even over-the-counter medications," Ms Lojko said.

"Always, always use the same pharmacy because they will have the medical

profile," she said. "The pharmacist will look at your record and the computer,

if the pharmacy has one, will check for drug compatibility. If you are

traveling, get sick and need a new drug, tell the physician and the pharmacist

about every single medication you already are on including things like iron,

cold capsules, colace [a stool softener], homeopathic and herbal products and

even vitamins."

Ms Lojko said no one should hesitate to ask questions at the doctor's office.

"Gone are the days when physicians were considered gods," she said. "You are

paying them for their services. If you think you will be nervous, write down

questions before you see the doctor. And write down what the doctor tells you

so you can refer to it later.

"If you go home and can't remember what you were told, call your physician or

pharmacist and ask," she said.

Persons over the age of 60 tend to be on many more prescription drugs than

younger persons, and many times it is difficult not to become confused about

when to take them.

"Physicians often are trying to dose lower, especially with the elderly," Ms

Lojko said. "You might be told to take a drug every other day or to alternate

with another medication. Use a calendar or one of those little pill boxes that

keep each day's medications for an entire week."

Most people who wind up going to the hospital because of adverse drug

reactions have not followed the directions about dosage, she said.

Ms Lojko gave the following tips about using and storing prescription drugs:

Be sure to read and understand all directions before using any medicine. If

you have any questions about your medications, call your doctor or your

pharmacist.

It is usually better to store your medications in a hall closet or linen

closet instead of a medicine cabinet, where they are subject to heat and

humidity. Pills usually are in amber-colored vials to protect them from the

light.

Always finish your medications unless otherwise directed by your pharmacist or

physician. Antibiotics, for example, require a complete course of treatment to

be effective; never stop just because you feel better. Some medications, such

as those for high blood pressure, can cause a severe reaction if they are

abruptly stopped.

A lot of medications have transient side effects that may only last a week or

two. If you experience a reaction, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Check the expiration date before using. Do not keep leftover prescription

drugs to use if you get sick again. The next infection might require a

completely different drug - treating yourself can be harmful.

Never lend medications to another person. The prescription and the dosage are

for you alone. It is illegal to lend many medications and you could be held

responsible if the person has an adverse drug reaction.

Be aware that many medications may cause drowsiness and impair your mental

alertness. Many drugs should not be combined with the consumption of alcoholic

beverages.

Always inquire if there are any special directions for your medications, such

as shake well, refrigerate, take on an empty stomach, or take with food or

milk. Some drugs will become ineffective if taken with specific foods or

beverages.

If you miss a dose of medication, check with your pharmacist or physician for

the proper procedure for continuing your therapy. Do not take a double dose

unless you are told to do so.

If you are currently taking prescription drugs, always check with your

pharmacist or physician before taking any over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Some OTC medications may adversely affect your prescription drugs.

Take all medications, even OTC medications and supplements, with a full glass

of water. "Even Tums," Ms Lojko said. All painkillers, except Tylenol, should

be taken with food because they are irritating to the stomach.

When giving medications to children, never refer to the drugs as "candy." Some

medications taste good; always store them in a place that is inaccessible to

children.