Common
medication
myths
SEVERAL COMMON MEDICAL myths can prove to be very dangerous to
consumers. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists aims at
dispelling these myths and educating the public on the correct usage of
medications. Here are a few of their top targets.
Myth: Nonprescription medications are safer than prescription medications.
Truth: All medications, even those sold without a prescription, have the potential to cause harm. Taking more than the recommended dose can cause serious
adverse effects, such as stomach bleeding, as well as liver or kidney problems.
Adverse reactions to nonprescription medicines can sometimes occur even
when patients follow instructions exactly. In addition, the effects of certain
prescription medications can be significantly bolstered or weakened if they are
taken with some nonprescription medicines. Patients should tell their physician
and pharmacist about all the medications they are taking, including vitamins
and herbal supplements, to help avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions.
Myth: Splitting pills is a safe way to save money.
Truth: Consumers, especially seniors, often split pills to save money, but doing
so can disrupt essential properties of the medications. For example, some
medications contain a time-release property that is destroyed when a pill is
cut, reducing the medication’s safety. Also, because some pills are made with
a protective coating to prevent nausea, an upset stomach may result if the
coating is broken. Always ask your pharmacist if a pill is safe to split.
