HOW TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL OVERDOSE OF COMMON PAIN MEDICATION

Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medications you can buy without a prescription at the pharmacy, whether to relieve headaches, back pain, temporary muscle aches, or menstrual cramps. They are also often prescribed to relieve chronic pain caused by osteoarthritis and other chronic diseases.

RISK OF ACCIDENTAL OVERDOSE

If your doctor has prescribed a medication to relieve your chronic pain, you should be especially careful about using over-the-counter (OTC) medications at the same time. By doing so, you could be consuming the same active ingredient twice and getting a dose that’s too high, without you realizing it.

Every year in Canada, approximately 4,500 people are hospitalized for mistakenly taking too much acetaminophen. When taken in high doses, acetaminophen can damage the liver, while anti-inflammatories can cause serious heart, stomache or kidney problems.

KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR

When purchasing over-the-counter medications, don’t solely rely on the brand name displayed on the label, as various products with different brand names may contain the same active ingredient. Take the time to scrutinize the ingredient list or consult your pharmacist.

Exercise extra caution when dealing with cold, flu, or allergy medications. “All-in-one” remedies frequently include ingredients like acetaminophen or an NSAID such as ibuprofen.

If your physician prescribes an anti-inflammatory medication from the NSAID category, it’s crucial to avoid taking an additional over-the-counter NSAID, even if it has a different active ingredient name. Given that NSAIDs share similar modes of action, their adverse effects can accumulate. For instance, if your doctor has prescribed an NSAID like naproxen, it’s important to steer clear of non-prescription products containing different NSAIDs, like ibuprofen. To ensure you are making the right choice, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your pharmacist.

CAUTION IS NEEDED WITH OTHER FORMS TOO

Some pain relief medication is also sold in forms not taken by mouth, such as products that you apply on your skin or suppositories. Even if these products are not taken orally, the amount of ingredient they contain could be enough to cause an accidental overdose if you take them together with an oral pain relief medication. It is the total quantity of medication that counts, not the way you take it.

YOUR PHARMACIST CAN HELP

If your pain is not sufficiently relieved by the medication you have been prescribed, talk to your pharmacist before increasing the dose or taking a second medication to relieve it. Your pharmacist will analyze your situation and be able to propose a safe and effective solution.

Your pharmacist is there to make sure you are using your medications correctly, for example by ensuring they do not interact and are suited to your needs. Always follow his or her recommendations, and ask questions if you have any doubts or concerns.