Drug Safety
Drug safety is a concern for many Americans, especially as we age. Prescription and over-the-counter medications can have negative reactions and cause side effects. Even if you are taking the recommended dosage of an over-the-counter medication, you need to know the active ingredients in all medications you are taking because if they share one, whether they are prescription or not, you may be taking too much of one type of drug.Tell your health care providers about all prescription medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, herbs and supplements. Herbs and supplements are not approved by the FDA, and many people don’t realize that they can negatively react with other medications. For more information about drug safety, visit Medline Plus.
Position & Issues
Related Publications
-
Feature ArticlePain and Confusion: Figuring Out How to Safely Treat Pain
Are you or a loved one dealing with persistent pain but confused about what medications are safe? Understandably so! Treating persistent pain can be challenging and now warnings about the risks of leading pain relievers have left many of us wondering what we can do to safely treat our pain. -
ReportPain Management Survey
The Alliance for Aging Research commissioned a nationwide survey of 800 U.S. adults age 65 and older to better understand their attitudes, perceptions and concerns regarding age-related pain management and changes under consideration by the FDA to over-the-counter acetaminophen products. Clarus Research Group conducted the survey on behalf of the Alliance for Aging Research between September 14 and September 18, 2009. Support for the survey was provided by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Division of McNeil-PPC, Inc. -
Get Mad ColumnThe Savings and Safety of Drug Importation
The president and Congress are embarking on a fervent campaign to reform our damaged health care system. Few would disagree that there is waste in our current system, and even fewer would disagree with the fact that we need to bring healthcare to the 46 million Americans who are currently uninsured. But, many in Washington and across the country disagree on how to go about financing the massive health care overhaul that lawmakers are now proposing.
