(dailyRx)

Most people have taken a prescription medication at one time or another, but according to a report from the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), not only do women take more medications during their lifetimes, they're more likely to suffer from adverse drug events than men.
As a result of this trend, "women should be proactive about their medication use," explains Rosaly Correa-de-Araujo, M.D., M.Sc., Ph.D., senior advisor for women's health at the AHRQ.

An adverse drug reaction is a harmful, unintended reaction to a drug administered at a normal dosage. They can be classified as immunological and nonimmunological. The majority of adverse reactions are caused by predictable nonimmunological effects, which include side effects from drug ingredient, drug-drug interactions and drug toxicity. A smaller number are caused by unpredictable effects, which may be immune-related, and include allergic reactions and serum sickness (a reaction similar to an allergy).

Because women are more likely to experience adverse drug reactions than men, it becomes even more important for women to take an active role in their health care. Medication is supposed to makea person feel better, but if it isn't taken correctly, it can have the opposite effect. Whether it's a prescription medication or an over-the-counter drug they're taking, patients should keep the following guidelines in mind.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), a patient should know these facts about each medicine she or he takes:

  • Name (generic name and brand name)
  • Reason for taking it
  • How much to take and how often to take it
  • Possible side effects and what to do if you have them
  • How long to continue taking it
  • Special instructions (taking it at bedtime or with meals, etc.)

It's important for women to inform their doctors and pharmacists about all medications or supplements they're taking, any known allergies and if they're currently pregnant or planning to conceive in the short-term.

In addition, to ensure a medication is being taken safely and correctly, the AAFP encourages people to have a list of questions for their doctor about their medications, including these questions:

  • "What does the medicine do?"
  • "When and how should I take the medicine?"
  • "What side effects could I have?"
  • "Will the medicine react to any other medicines, foods or drinks?"
  • "Should I avoid any activities while I'm taking the medicine?"
  • "What should I do if I forget to take the medicine?"
  • "How will I know whether the medicine is working?"

According to Correa-de-Araujo, women should learn to research medications they're prescribed. Also, instead of automatically tossing instructional package inserts into the recycling bin, women should always read them and even save them for future reference.

Taking an active role in health care can help lower the risk of problems associated with prescription and nonprescription medications and dietary supplements.

Contact:
Jo Parrish
202-496-5008
jo@womenshealthresearch.org