Drug interactions demystified at this Web chat with pharmacists on Thursday

Drug interactions can lead to serious problems. Even taking something as seemingly benign as an over-the-counter cold medication could lead to an unpleasant, or dangerous, interaction with a so-routine-you-don’t-even-think-about-it prescription drug. This panel of pharmacists can help sort out what drugs cause reactions and how to avoid unwanted ones.

A live Web chat Thursday (noon EST, 11 a.m. CST, 9 a.m. PST) will feature Stefanie C. Nigro, assistant clinical professor at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy; Laura Hobbs, pharmacy clinical coordinator and director of the pharmacy residency program at Hartford Hospital; and Flora Harp, community practice resident for CVS/pharmacy.

The National Institutes of Health notes that there are different ways unwanted reactions can happen. Its MedlinePlus guide says:

“Most of the time, medicines make our lives better. They reduce aches and pains, fight infections, and control problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes. But medicines can also cause unwanted reactions.

“One problem is interactions, which may occur between

-two drugs, such as aspirin and blood thinners;
-drugs and food, such as statins and grapefruit;
-drugs and supplements, such as gingko and blood thinners; and -drugs and diseases, such as aspirin and peptic ulcers.” Find out more about side effects and drug interactions by joining the chat.