The main drug interactions
- Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin®) should not be taken together with ibuprofen (Advil®, Antarene®, Intralgis®, Rhinadvil®, Nureflex®, Nurofen®), both used in the treatment of pain or fever. Their interaction can lead to ulcers and bleeding.
- Taking acetylsalicylic acid or ibuprofen and antivitamins K, all having anticoagulant properties, increases the risk of bleeding.
- Statins (lipid-lowering drugs) should not be combined with antibiotics of the macrolide family (Klacid®), this intake may cause rhabdomyolysis (serious muscle damage).
- The various decongestants (Actifed®, Anadvil®, Nurofen®, Rhinadvil®, Rhinureflex®, Sudafed®) used in the treatment of colds must not be mixed.
- Medicines based on St. John’s Wort (especially certain antidepressants) should not be used at the same time as Previscan® (based on fluindione), an anticoagulant, or in the case of contraception by the pill. St. John’s Wort is known to negate the effects of the anticoagulant and the pill.
How to prevent drug interactions?
In Canada and France, drug interactions are believed to be the source of thousands of deaths each year. However, simple steps can be taken to avoid these side effects.
It is essential to read the instructions for use of medicines even if they have been prescribed by a doctor, paying particular attention to the sections “contraindications”, “associations not recommended” and “precautions for use”.
In all cases, self-medication is not recommended, drugs based on acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol and ibuprofen tend to be underestimated and used too widely.
Anaïs Lhôte – PasseportSanté.net
Source: www.afssaps.fr
