When taken in combination, common prescription and non-prescription medications can cause problems.

"The number of medications older adults are taking are increasing and we worry about the potential interactions between these drugs because they may have some safety implications for older adults," says Dr. Stacy Tessler Lindau of the University of Chicago Medical Centre.

Combining drugs can result in internal bleeding and other serious issues.

Combinations of medications may reduce the effectiveness of one or the other medication.

Researchers from the University of Chicago decided to look at medication use among older adults.

"No one has ever really documented how many medications, what types of medications, older people use, on such a large scale including non-prescription drugs, along with prescription drugs," says Dr. Dima Qato.

The study appears this week's Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

It analyzed data collected from over 3,000 people ages 57 to 85.

It looked at their use of prescription drugs like blood-thinners, over-the-counter drugs, such as Aspirin, and vitamins and herbal supplements, like ginkgo biloba.

The study found that more than two-thirds of those who took prescription drugs also used over the counter medication, dietary supplements or both.

Of those nearly one in 25 people were at risk for major, hazardous drug interaction.

One of the important findings is that, specifically for older men, ages 75 to 85, one in 10 were using combinations of drugs that put them at risk for a severe medication interaction.

Researchers recommend that patients pay close attention when taking any medications.

"They have to make sure they discuss all their medications with their physician and their pharmacist," says Dr. Qato.

"Not only the prescription medications, but also the medications they buy over-the-counter," says Dr. Tessler Lindau.

Because when it comes to any medication use, being careful is critical.

Steps for seniors to avoid prescription errors

  • Read the information sheet before taking any drug
  • Read the label each time you take it
  • Don't take an expired drug 
  • Throw away drugs you no longer use by taking them back to the drugstore for them to discard
  • Don't take your drugs in darkness
  • And have a reminder system, either compartmentalized containers or your pharmacist can blister pack your medications for you.

It's that time of year when our normal routines are disrupted with travel, parties and holiday schedules.

Something that you can do for a senior is help them make a 9-11 vile, where a list of all their medications, vitamins and herbs and other pertinent medical information are placed in a vile that they can carry with them during holiday season or placed in the fridge any other time.  So its quick and easily accessible for anyone to grab in case of an emergency.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Dr. Rhonda Low