One key thing that you will want to research when given a prescription for a drug is the possible drug interactions that it may have with other things you are consuming. Prescription drugs may interact with herbal supplements, other prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and alcohol.

Herbals

You may not appreciate the power of herbal supplements; however, you need to know that they can affect you, and the way your prescription drugs work. One of the best examples of this is the effect that St. John’s Wort has on birth control pills. St. John’s Wort has been shown to make birth control pills ineffective. This could lead to an unwanted pregnancy if you rely on birth control pills as your only method of contraception.

Other Prescription Medications

Prescription drugs can also interact with one another. Birth control provides another example of this in its interaction with antibiotics. Antibiotics often negate the effects of birth control pills, thus making them ineffective. There are many interactions that can occur between prescription drugs, so do research with your doctor and pharmacist to ensure your prescription drug safety.

Over The Counter Medications

You may not understand the science of over-the-counter medications, from laxatives to pain killers. Understand that just because a drug is allowed to be sold over the counter, it is not necessarily safe for all users. Over-the-counter drugs can be just as harmful if abused or mixed incorrectly. When taking over-the-counter drugs follow the directions carefully and be sure to consult your doctor and pharmacist for possible drug interactions with your prescription drugs.

Alcohol

Then of course, there is alcohol. Even if you aren’t a big drinker, consuming as little as one drink a day could interact with the medicine you are taking. Speak with your doctor and pharmacist on how consuming alcohol could affect the function of the prescription medication you are taking.