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Seniors BC

Medication Safety

Some seniors may use a number of drugs prescribed by their doctor, as well as natural health products (vitamins, herbs and supplements), and over-the-counter drugs. While most drugs and natural health products are safe to take at the same time, sometimes there can be a problem. A drug or natural health product may alter the way another one works, or cause a side effect when they are combined. This is called a drug interaction.

The HealthLink BC website offers tips on how to make sure that your drugs and natural health products are safe when combined. It is best to check with your pharmacist or doctor each time you start taking a new drug or natural health product. Also, pharmacists can speak with you via our 8-1-1 phone service every night from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m., when most local pharmacies are closed.

A Patient Safety booklet is offered by the B.C. Patient Safety & Quality Council. You can order a copy from the Health and Seniors Information Line (call toll-free: 1 800 465-4911; in Victoria 250 952-1742). Visit the B.C. Patient Safety & Quality Council website for more details.

Some drugs may make it harder for you to drive a car. The Canada Safety Council offers tips on how seniors can safely drive while taking certain drugs. Visit the Canada Safety Council website for more details.