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Staying Safe When You Take Several Medicines

Table of Contents


Overview

Older adults and people with long-term diseases often need to take a lot of pills.

That can cause problems. If you take more than one medicine that works the same way, you could get too high a dose. And sometimes medicines work against each other.

It's important to ask every doctor you visit to look at your complete list of medicines.

The more medicines you take, the greater your chance of having problems. Problems may be more likely if:

How to avoid problems

If you're taking a lot of medicines, here are some things you can do to avoid problems.


Credits for Staying Safe When You Take Several Medicines

Current as of: September 25, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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