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More Than Half Of Americans At Risk Of Drug Interactions

The January 18, 2000 issue of the Alternative Medicine Newsletter tells us about a disturbing survey reported by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) which found that more than half of all Americans are at risk of possible drug interactions.

The survey found that of 1000 American questioned, 46% of them take at least one prescription medicine every day. More than 25% take multiple prescription medicines daily. 56% said that they had taken two over-the-counter medications or supplements in the week before they were surveyed.

Mick Hunt, president of the ASHP says that "as you take more medications [the] opportunity for drug interactions grows."

The survey also found that only 39% of those surveyed tell their doctor or nurse about their drug use. 8% failed to tell them at all. According to Hunt, "healthcare providers need to do a little bit better job at pulling that information out," but ultimately the pharmacist is better qualified at helping patients be better informed on the dangers of the drugs they are taking and how they interact.

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