Whenever two or more drugs are being taken simultaneously, then there is the chance that amongst those drugs there will be some sort of a drug interaction. This can also be defined as a fundamental interaction between a drug and a different substance that stops the medication from acting as anticipated. In reality, drug interactions can occur between two drugs, or drugs along with food, or even drugs and a different substance. Of course, folks who take a number of medicines are at a greater risk. There is also the risk of potential side effects being experienced that would not usually happen if you were taking just one drug.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, folks have more chances than ever before to learn about their health and ways to take better care of themselves. A part of that understanding includes knowing precisely what each prescription medication is for and how it should be used. If you take a number of medications or see more than one physician, then you and your doctors have to be aware of all medicines that you take. This in turn will help to circumvent potential difficulties that may happen because of a drug interaction.
A drug interaction does not come simply from two prescribed drugs, or one prescribed drug plus a food or even a prescription drug along with some other substance. The reality is that it can occur when taking over the counter (OTC) drugs too. That is one reason why it is especially important to peruse the label each time you use a drug to ascertain what possible drug interactions may crop up if they are taken incorrectly or with something that is incompatible. Typically, the warning part of the label offers vital and precautionary information concerning any potential drug interaction, along with common side effects.
Any time and each time you are taking a new drug make certain to discuss all other medication you might be taking, including OTC drugs, any drug prescription, dietary supplements, vitamins, minerals, botanicals and herbs, along with the food you eat. If the information is not given to you from the pharmacy, then ask the chemist for the packet insert for all drug or drug products that you are taking, in addition to requesting any health guides that are relating to the medication.
If you believe that you have observed all of the warnings and guidelines, whether for food or drugs, yet you still experienced some kind of adverse reaction, then it is recommended that you contact the Food and Drug Administration. They are responsible for ascertaining that food and drug products are safe and appropriately labeled. Testing the safety of the products ahead of being licensed is normally performed on small groups. Consequently, some problems, including drug interactions, might surface only once it has been released to the public. When problems with an FDA regulated product comes about, they want to know about it promptly in order that appropriate action can be taken and the public notified.