Is Redundant Medication Costing You Money?

Redundant Medication

A very common problem in health care today is over-medication, or even redundant medication. Redundant medication means that a person is taking two or more drugs that have the same or similar effects. This situation is most commonly due to poor communication between the person’s multiple health care providers.

It is not your job to decide what medications you need or don’t need. But it is critical that you keep an updated list of all your medications and other things you may take (e.g., over-the-counter medications, diet pills, vitamins, and/or herbs). Maintaining an accurate list of all your medications and showing it to all your health care providers makes it easier for them to decide what you need to take. This list will help your doctor protect you from medication mix-ups. If you’re taking unnecessary medications, your doctor will be able to find them on your list. If he or she stops an unnecessary medication, it can reduce your risk of health problems. It can also save you hundreds or thousands of dollars each year.

The solution to the problem of redundant medications is simple. And it only requires you to keep an updated list of all your medications in one location.

Written by Jeffrey B. Brown, MD, FACP

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Drug Allergy Versus Drug Intolerance: Why You Should Know the Difference

Drug Allergy Versus Drug Intolerance: Know the Difference

We all need to know the difference between a true drug allergy and drug intolerance. Being aware of the difference could save your life.

1. Drug intolerance means that your body reacts in a mild to moderate way to a medication. It is usually one of the side effects of the medication. For example, if you get a little nauseated after taking an antibiotic, it is likely due to a drug intolerance.
2. Drug allergy means that your body reacts severely to a medication. For example, if you developed a rash, shortness of breath, or tongue swelling after taking a medication, it was very likely due to a true drug allergy.

Ask your health care provider to help you figure out whether you have a true drug allergy to certain medications, or simply a drug intolerance. Be sure to do this. A life-saving medication may not be given to you because what is merely a drug intolerance has been recorded in your medical history as a true drug allergy.

Written by Jeffrey B. Brown, MD, FACP

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