HEALTH & FITNESS
wellness

Know Your Medications

E

veryone was shocked to hear of the
recent, untimely passing of Heath
Ledger. The 28-year old actor's
death was the result of an "acute intoxication
by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydro-
codone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam
and doxylamine:' These medications are
used as painkillers, anti-anxiety agents and
sleeping aids.
The specifics of how much of each drug
was consumed are not public record. What is
known is that, although all these drugs were
prescribed, when taken together, the combi-
nation proved to be fatal. As a consumer and
patient, it is extremely important to know
why medications are indicated for you and
how they will affect your body. Most impor-
tantly, follow the directions and don't take
more than prescribed.
Keep in mind that drugs, when taken
together, can interact in a variety of ways.
The effects may be 1) additive; 2) inhibitory

causing significant drug interactions is
(resulting in decreased effectiveness of one
grapefruit juice. Did you know consum-
or both of the agents); 3) synergistic (more
ing large quantities of grapefruit juice
pronounced total effect than the sum of the
can result in higher drug levels of the
two); or 4) neutral.
cholesterol-lowering statins [i.e.,
You must also be aware that
lovastatin (brand name, Mevacor),
over-the-counter, herbals and
simvastatin (Zocor) and atorvastatin
nutritional supplements can
(Lipitor)] and possible side effects?
affect how prescription drugs
Interestingly, if you take pravastatin
are handled in the body. For
(Pravachol) with grapefruit juice, the
example, the herbal St. John's
drug doesn't accumulate.
wort is an alternative dietary
Most pharmacies provide patient
supplement that can be used
Julie
information leaflets describing the
for depression. St. John's wort,
Berman
effects of the drugs, directions how to
when taken with certain birth
Columnist
take correctly, potential drug and/or
control pills, drugs to treat
food interactions that can occur and
HIV infection and immuno-
possible side effects. Don't be afraid to ask
suppressants (drugs to prevent transplanted
your physician or pharmacist questions,
organ rejection) can result in lower drug lev-
especially if you take over-the-counter or
els of the other medication resulting in inef-
alternative supplements. Information leaflets
fective treatment (i.e., pregnancy, untreated
are not routinely available for these products.
HIV infection and organ rejection).
Important questions to ask your healthcare
A common beverage responsible for

professional are:
• What is the drug being used to treat?
• Does it need to be taken on a scheduled
basis or only as needed?
• Does it interact with other drugs
(prescription, over-the-counter, herbals) or
foods?
• Can you drink alcohol while taking the
medicine?
• What types of reactions might you
experience?
If an unusual reaction occurs, contact your
physician or pharmacist to discuss. Too often,
family or friends are willing to share their
medications with you. Never use another
person's prescriptions. Not only is it against
the law, the effects of the drug may not be the
same in your body as someone else's. ❑

Julie Berman, Pharm.D., of West Bloomfield is a

clinical specialist in drug information for Detroit

Receiving Hospital.

Edward Lichten, M.D. Author, Practicing Physician and Researcher of

TEXTBOOK
of
BIO-IDENTICAL
HORMONES

EDWARD M. LICHTEN, M.D., F.A.C.S.

the Most Comprehensive Preventative Cosmetic and
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Telephone: 248.593.9999
Web: www.USDOCTOR.com

Why trust your health to anyone else?

1375490

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April 24 • 2008

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