Health Tips for August 2

Health Tip: Pain Reliever Side Effects

Before you take a pain reliever for conditions such as headache, sinusitis, muscle or joint pain, make sure you know about the potential side effects.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says you should talk to your doctor about these potential risks of pain medications:

* Liver damage can occur in people who take large quantities of acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol), or in those who already have liver problems.
* Gastrointestinal problems -- such as ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding or upset stomach -- can occur in people who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for long periods. NSAIDs include aspirin and ibuprofen.
* Kidney damage, if NSAIDs are used frequently for long periods.
* NSAIDs may interact with medicines that people take to combat high blood pressure. NSAIDs can also elevate blood pressure on their own.
* In rare cases, people can be allergic to pain medications.

Health Tip: Drug and Food Interactions

Many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can negatively interact with foods, supplements or other drugs.

Here are guidelines to help prevent food-drug interactions, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Check prescription and over-the-counter drug labels to see if they contain any warnings.
* Follow directions on all medications carefully.
* Unless you get your doctor's OK, never break up pills and mix them with food, and never empty capsules into food.
* Take medications with a whole glass of water, unless your doctor has given you other instructions. Never take medications with alcohol.
* Don't take your medications at the same time as you take vitamins or dietary supplements.
* Don't mix medications in a hot drink, as the heat may affect the medication.