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Adverse Drug ReactionsWe all know that medications can become dangerous substances when not used appropriately. Any drug can become a toxic substance, for instance, when an overdose is taken. But what about a medication that is used properly? Can one assume that a medication will not cause harm when it is taken according to instructions? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Recent studies underscore the significance of drug-caused adverse consequences: * A recent report estimated that 106,000 U.S. hospitalized patients died in 1994 as a result of an adverse drug reaction. If accurate, this figure would represent between the fourth and sixth leading cause of death. * The same study estimated that 2,216,000 hospitalized patients experienced a serious adverse drug reaction. * One article suggests that as many as 10 percent of all hospitalizations may be due to prescription drug induced conditions. * A 2005 study of hospitalized patients found that the occurrence of an adverse drug event nearly doubled the chance of death. It should be noted that these figures are based upon statistical estimates that may not represent the exact incidence of medication related problems. However, the evidence does indicate that medication side effects and adverse events are a significant concern, one that many health care providers may foolishly under-appreciate. Have you ever been told that "This drug has no side effects?" What is often meant, actually, is that the medication has a very low incidence of side effects. In most cases, the benefits far outweigh the risks - side effects are often mild or even absent. But consider a side-effect that has a 1% chance of occurrence. One out of every one hundred patients taking this drug experience this side effect. Should you be told about this possibility? What if 100,000 Americans are prescribed this medication? One thousand patients would be expected to experience this side effect. Many patients might consider a side effect that has occurred in one thousand people to be important to them. The incidence of side-effects increases proportionally with the popularity of the medication, even when the chance of the side effect occurring is very small. One important way to minimize adverse drug events is to become a smart pharmacy consumer. Though a medication's benefit may by far exceed any health risk, we can improve our efforts in minimizing that risk. How? By encouraging patients to learn all that they can about their medications. What to expect. What not to expect. How to use medications appropriately. Patients must take an active role in understanding their drug therapy, benefits and risks included. It is your responsibility to learn as much as you can about your medication and your health condition. Know the risks associated with your medications. Put yourself in charge of you! How can this be done? Your pharmacist and physician should be your primary resource. There are also many drug and health information resources available on the internet. Don't pop pills blindly! Learn all that you can about your medications. Encourage your friends and family to do the same. You are responsible for learning how to use your medications safely. |
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