Risks From Medications

Some side effects are minor. Others may require your pharmacist or healthcare provider to substitute another medication. To help minimize the side effects:

• Ask your health-care provider or pharmacist about possible side effects
• Read the label
• Report any reactions or allergies to your health-care provider

 

Unexpected interactions

Many medications can be harmful - even deadly - if taken together. To help prevent interactions:

• Make a list of medications you take and bring the list to your next appointment
• Tell you pharmacist or health-care provider about all medications you are taking - including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and/or dietary supplements (such as herbal remedies - Gingko, St. John's Wort, etc.)

 

Drug dependence

Long term use of some medications may lead to physical or psychological dependence. To prevent drug dependence:

• Ask your health-care provider if any of your medications are habit-forming
• Ask how much of each medication you can take without becoming addicted
• Taking several medications

You may be taking more than one medication. To help avoid problems:

• Learn about each medication, and know why you are taking it
• Follow all instructions for using each medication safely
• Ask your pharmacist if the over-the-counter medications are safe to use with your prescription medications (have an updated list of medications, other over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and any dietary supplements - herbal remedies with you at all times)

 

Common medications that require blood tests:

• Carbamezapine (Tegretol)
• Thalidomide (pregnancy test - don't take if pregnant)
• Tretinoin (pregnancy test - don't take if pregnant)
• Clozapine (Clozaril)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theo-24, Uni-Dur)
• Procainamide (Procan SR, ProcanBid)
• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Lithium (Lithotabs, Lithobid, Eskalith)
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• Methotrexate
• Phenobarbital
• (Neoral, Sandimmune)
• Tacrolimus (Prograf)
• Quinidine
• Valproic acid (Depakote)