Are You On Drugs?

Adverse Reactions To Prescription and Over-The-Counter Drugs Account For More Than 100,000 Deaths Each Year.

More than 100,000 Americans die each year because of adverse reactions to prescription medications. Another two million are hospitalized due to drug allergies or the unintentional combination of medicines. Together, these numbers add up to a major health priority for American consumers.

What’s really frightening about this whole issue is that most people have no idea how dangerous taking prescriptions or OTC’s can be–this should serve as a serious wake up call.

As a result, everybody could gain substantially by asking important questions before taking any medication.

1. What kind of side efffects could I experience from this medication?

2. What should I do in the event of an adverse reaction?

3. Are there foods or drugs that can cause an unwanted interaction?

4. Will alcohol cause any type of reaction?

Also, if you have a loved one in the hospital, DO NOT take it for granted that medications are being administered correctly. My advice is to ask lots of questions.

For worksites, this is also a major prevention opportunity that’s being overlooked. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a single company offering instruction in this area.

For more information on this topic be sure to check out The Center For Drug Evaluation and Research at www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/druginteractions.htm