Hal Roe with Wangsgard and Valley HealthMart Pharmacies talks about two major problems many of us have when taking drugs: food interactions and not taking medications as prescribed.
What are some important facts you need to know to avoid these dangerous situations? There are two important ideas: first, food and drug Interactions and, second, taking medications on time and as directed
#1 Food-Drug Interactions:
What is a drug-food interaction?
– Drug food interactions happen when the food you eat affects the ingredients in a medicine you are taking so the medicine cannot work the way it should.
– Drug food interactions can happen with both prescription and over-the-counter meds, including antacids, vitamins and iron pills.
Are all medicines affected by food?
– Not all meds are affected by food
– But many can be affected by what you eat adn when you eat it –
– For example, taking some meds at same time you eat may interfere with the way your stomach and intestines absorb the meds
– Food may delay or decrease the absorption of the drug
– This is why some meds should be taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating)
Facts to remember about drug-food interactions (demonstrate on some popular drugs)
– Read the prescription label on the container. If you dont’ understand something, ask doctor or pharmacist
– Read all directions, warning and interaction precautions printed on medicine labels and packages.
– Even over-the counter meds can cause problems –
– Take meds with a full glass of water, unless your doctor tells you differently –
– Don’t stir meds into your food or take capsules apart (unless doctor tells you to) becasue this may change the way the drugs work –
– Don’t take vitamin pills at the same time you take meds because vitamins and minerals can cause problems if taken with some drugs –
– Don’t mix medicine into hot drinks because the heat may keep the drug from working. –
– Never take medicine with alcoholic drinks.
#2 Taking Medications on Time:
Why?
– your body’s metabolism may react with the drug and how fast our bodies break it down
– to keep the optimal amount in your system to do what is needed
– take some meds at bedtime because it may make you drowsy if taken during the day
– cholesterol drugs taken at night are better because more blood goes thru liver to help assimilate drug better
Methods?
– Medication Chart can be provided by your HealthMart pharmacist
– Do you have a timer to remind you (available at drug store)
– Get a med organizer …
– Make sure it is ok to put pills in another container (instead of the amber containers)… find out if it will lose effectiveness and breakdown
Some information for this article taken from familydoctor.org.
Your HealthMart Pharmacist at Wangsgard Pharmacy ( (801- 399-4400) and Valley Pharmacies (801- 745-1800) can help you with your health and medical needs. Contact your health giver for your family’s health needs.
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