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Most Americans Take Multiple Medications Daily

Wed, 01/24/2001 - 12:00am — Karen Stevenson
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The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) revealed results of a survey that shows that over half of all Americans are taking multiple medications each day, including prescription and nonprescription medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins. The survey showed that 51% are taking more than one medication of any kind each day, 46% are taking at least one prescription medication each day, 28% are taking multiple prescription medications a day, and 40% are taking multiple herbal supplements or vitamins each day. Of people age 65 or older, 79% are taking at least one prescription medication a day, with an average of 4 prescription medications a day.

Although these medications could have a serious impact on their hospital care, the survey found that only 8% told hospital staff what medications they were taking, and only 3% brought samples of their medications with them to the hospital.

ASHP President Mick L. Hunt, M.S. said, "We want patients to be aware of the potential for drug interactions that can occur when mixing all of these remedies, especially when taking multiple medications each day. Patients and customers should know that they can always turn to their pharmacist for answers to their medication-related questions."

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) revealed results of a survey that shows that over half of all Americans are taking multiple medications each day, including prescription and nonprescription medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins. The survey showed that 51% are taking more than one medication of any kind each day, 46% are taking at least one prescription medication each day, 28% are taking multiple prescription medications a day, and 40% are taking multiple herbal supplements or vitamins each day. Of people age 65 or older, 79% are taking at least one prescription medication a day, with an average of 4 prescription medications a day.

Although these medications could have a serious impact on their hospital care, the survey found that only 8% told hospital staff what medications they were taking, and only 3% brought samples of their medications with them to the hospital.

ASHP President Mick L. Hunt, M.S. said, "We want patients to be aware of the potential for drug interactions that can occur when mixing all of these remedies, especially when taking multiple medications each day. Patients and customers should know that they can always turn to their pharmacist for answers to their medication-related questions."