Patients need to be aware and

be careful. Taking over-the-counter drugs like aspirin, acetaminophen

or ibuprofen with certain common prescription products such as blood thinners

or anti-inflammatory drugs can cause internal bleeding. Other drug combinations

can cause dizziness, fatigue or stomach upset and in rare cases, organ

failure. And sometimes, drugs can even cancel each other out.

"If you have any concern

about what you are taking, be sure to call your doctor, your community

or mail service pharmacist," Schlaifer said. "Make sure all

your doctors know all the drugs you are taking, even if it means bringing

all your prescription containers with you on your next medical visit.

Or, ask your community or mail service pharmacy to provide you with a

print-out of your records. And be sure to keep it up-to-date."

The Academy of Managed Care

Pharmacy's mission is to serve society by using sound medication

management principles and strategies to achieve positive patient outcomes.

For more information about AMCP visit www.amcp.org.

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