drugs
Risk Factors for Adverse Drug Reactions
Use of Several Drugs
Taking several medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, contributes to the risk of having an adverse drug reaction (see Drug-Drug Interactions ). The number and severity of adverse drug reactions increase disproportionately as the number of drugs taken increases. The use of alcohol, which is also a drug, also increases the risk. Asking a doctor or pharmacist to periodically review all the drugs a person is taking and to make appropriate adjustments can reduce the risk of an adverse drug reaction. 