A pharmacist reviews a medication list with a senior woman to help prevent dangerous drug combinations.

Managing multiple health conditions often means taking a handful of pills every morning, but mixing certain prescription and over-the-counter medications creates severe health risks. You can protect your long-term wellbeing by identifying dangerous drug combinations and working with your doctor to adjust your routine.

Millions of older adults unknowingly take interacting medications that cause dizziness, internal bleeding, or cognitive decline. Changes in how the aging body processes chemicals mean that a combination you tolerated a decade ago might suddenly become toxic.

By reviewing your daily regimen and understanding the chemical interactions at play, you can prevent preventable hospitalizations and maintain your independence.