Tips For Troublesome Medications, From The Harvard Heart Letter

Bad reactions to a
prescribed medication send more than 175,000 older Americans to the
emergency room each year. Just 10 commonly used medications -- almost all
of them for heart disease or diabetes -- account for half of these
reactions. The March 2008 issue of the Harvard Heart Letter offers tips
about safely taking these important but potentially tricky medications.


Warfarin: Check your bleeding time (INR) regularly. Take care if you
are also taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin,
ibuprofen, or naproxen. Keep your intake of green, leafy vegetables and
alcohol steady from day to day.



Insulin: Check your blood sugar several times a day. Take care to store
your insulin properly and carry a ready supply. Be aware of the signs of
low blood sugar.



Digoxin: Check your pulse when you are calm and relaxed. If it is
slower than it should be, call your doctor. Take care if you begin using an
over-the-counter medication that may interfere with digoxin, such as
antacids, cold or sinus medicine, or laxatives. Call your doctor if you
experience vision changes, drowsiness, or confusion.



Aspirin and clopidogrel: Check that you are taking the right dose at
the recommended times. Take care when you are using these medications
together or with warfarin. Call your doctor if you experience any bleeding
warning signs.



Oral medications for diabetes: Check your blood sugar as your doctor
directs. Take care with these drugs if you have any type of kidney or heart
disease. Be aware of the signs of low blood sugar.


Harvard Heart Letter

health.harvard.edu/heart



View drug information on Warfarin Sodium tablets.

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