Drug interactions pose a real and significant threat to those who take them. We know they are possible, but most people don’t consider the possibilities unless a healthcare provider mentions it or it is displayed on the label. If you have experienced complications from drug interactions, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. Speaking with a Paulson Coletti Portland medical malpractice attorney may benefit you.

How do Drug Interactions Happen?

Drugs alter the way your body works. This alteration may dilate your blood vessels, change how your brain uptakes certain neurotransmitters, or adjust the way you metabolize certain chemicals. When multiple substances causing these alterations enter your body, there is a chance that they may affect overlapping systems. To effectively anticipate any kind of drug interactions, it is imperative to understand a few things, including the three main types of interaction:

• Drug-drug interaction: This occurs when you take multiple drugs, such as two sedative medications that make you drowsy or certain antidepressants with types of ADHD medications, which may cause high blood pressure. Another example of this could be the way certain antibiotics may negate the effects of some hormonal birth control medications
• Drug-drink interaction: This type of interaction is commonly known regarding grapefruit juice and statins or MAO inhibitor medications. Other interactions in this category would be any of the many medications that may be affected by alcohol consumption
• Drug-disease interactions: Some medications may be affected by other health conditions. Examples of some conditions that can affect medication may be high blood pressure or liver disease

Indicators of Drug Interactions

Some drug interactions may have less noticeable side effects, like liver or kidney damage resulting from lithium carbonate and alcohol. Others may be more immediate or obvious. Indicators of drug interactions may be:

• Nausea, vomiting, or GI distress
• Tremors
• Drowsiness
• Disorientation
• Rashes
• Decrease in medication efficacy
• Increased heart rate
• Increased bruising or bleeding

There may be many other indicators of drug interactions depending on the specific drugs that are interacting, as well as various other factors, including hydration levels, foods in your system, and the time frame between taking the interacting medications. It is crucial to be aware of the potential side effects of medications you are taking and check with your pharmacist before taking any other medications, whether they are prescribed or over the counter.

Avoiding Drug Interactions

The best way to avoid dangerous drug interactions is to be aware of your medication and ensure that your prescribing physician and pharmacist always have the most current medication list. While pharmacy errors do occur, part of the pharmacist’s job is to confirm that none of the medications on record will interfere with the medications they are currently filling. If you have questions or are concerned about a new prescription or an over-the-counter medication you would like to take, you can call your pharmacy to confirm that the drugs are safe to take together. Some steps you can take to avoid drug interactions are:

• Minimize alcohol
• Understand what your medications are treating
• Fill all prescriptions at the same pharmacy
• Be cautious of herbs or supplements

Any concerns regarding your medications should be taken to your doctor to ensure you understand all your medications and they are aware of everything you take that may make you vulnerable to dangerous interactions. You may be entitled to compensation if you have sustained significant injury from a drug interaction due to a medical or pharmaceutical error.