It actually gets even trickier. Certain categories of patients are at risk of having specific reactions to substances (obesity, malnutrition, renal, hepatic or cardiac insufficiencies). Furthermore, chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, certain eye problems, prostate problems, or simple constipation are totally incompatible with many medications, including sold without a prescription (NSAIDs and hypertension, for example). Many specialties (including against the common cold) are also contraindicated when one suffers from diabetes. And these evictions remain valid, even if the disease is a thing of the past: when you have had ulcerative colitis, it is better to continue without aspirin for a headache. Hence the need to carefully read the list of contraindications mentioned on the leaflet.
Moreover, the fact of taking several drugs at the same time can always be a source of harmful interactions. “Certain products to unclog the nose can reduce the effect of a hypotensive drug and gastric dressings reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics, recalls Philippe Liebermann, member of the National Academy of Pharmacy. Conversely, theaspirin may increase the effect of an antidiabetic or anticoagulant. This is why, if you have a chronic disease such as hypertension or asthma, it is essential to ask your doctor or pharmacist which products you can take without risk. .
What precautions for seniors?
The longer the list of medications, the higher the risk of interactions. It is therefore particularly large in the elderly, whose organs begin to tire. “They often suffer from chronic illnesses that are incompatible with many medications (see question 007), recalls Professor Giroud. Memory loss and loss of sight can also lead to errors, continues the specialist. In 20% of cases, hospitalizations of elderly subjects are due to accidents related to taking medication. Do not hesitate to reduce the recommended doses, because of the poorer elimination of drugs. Even certain laxative herbal teas or certain essential oils can lead to serious accidents. »
