The danger hiding in the medicine cabinet: More than 1 in 5 adults at risk

A new study from the University of Southern California, published in JAMA, reveals that despite a slight decrease in the prevalence of significant drug interactions, more than 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. are still at potential risk from dangerous combinations. The research highlights the need for awareness and proper management of medication and supplement intake.

A new study led by the University of Southern California, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), reveals that despite a slight decrease in the prevalence of significant drug interactions, more than 1 in 5 adults in the United States are still at potential risk from combinations that could be dangerous. The study was conducted by Shyam Krishnan Ondent and Till Wechingerong "Jessica" Lee from USC Mann; Jocelyn Wilder from NORC at the University of Chicago; and Rupeshika Sen and J. Caleb Alexander from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The article offers six practical steps to reduce the risk of drug interactions, including full reporting of dietary supplements and over-the-counter medications, checking before starting a new treatment, avoiding stopping a medication without medical advice, being aware of interactions with food and beverages (such as grapefruit juice and statins), and maintaining an orderly medicine cabinet.