Drug Interactions: 3 Essential Steps as 1 in 5 Seniors Face Risk

Dangerous drug interactions remain a real threat for older Americans. A new study published September 24 in JAMA found that more than 1 in 5 adults ages 62 to 85 take combinations of medicines that could trigger a major interaction. If you juggle several prescriptions, vitamins or herbal supplements, this essential research is worth your attention.

Why Do Drug Interactions Matter More After 50?

As we age, our bodies process medicine more slowly. The liver and kidneys clear drugs at a different pace, so two pills that were once harmless together can build up and cause problems.

The new research shows we are taking more pills than ever. The share of older adults on five or more prescriptions rose from 31% to 35.7%. A harmful mix can lead to falls, confusion, bleeding or hospital stays. Many of these events are preventable with a simple review.

Key Facts From the New JAMA Study

Researchers led by Dima Mazen Qato of the USC Mann School of Pharmacy studied nearly 5,000 U.S. adults. They compared medicine use in 2015–2016 with use in 2021–2023. Here is what they found:

• Prescription polypharmacy (five or more drugs at once) climbed to 35.7%.
• Supplement polypharmacy rose from 12.6% to 16.7%.
• Risk of a potentially major drug interaction dipped from 25.7% to 22.3%, but still affects more than 1 in 5 people.
• Antidepressants were the drugs most often involved.

The small decline is proven progress. Yet the rise in supplement use worries experts, since many people never tell their doctor about the vitamins and herbs they take. You can read the USC Schaeffer Center summary of the study.

What This Means for You: Preventing Drug Interactions at Home

The good news is that you have real power here. A few habits can sharply lower your risk and help you feel more confident about every pill you take.

How Can a “Brown Bag” Review Protect You?

Put every pill bottle, vitamin, and supplement into one bag. Bring it to your doctor or pharmacist and ask for a full review. Include over-the-counter pain relievers and sleep aids. Seeing everything at once helps experts spot risky pairs, duplicate drugs, or medicines you may no longer need.

Should You Use Just One Pharmacy?

Yes, when possible. Filling all prescriptions at a single pharmacy lets its computer system flag dangerous combinations automatically. If you see more than one specialist, this step is essential. It creates one complete record, even when different doctors prescribe different medicines.

What Questions Should You Ask Before Starting a New Drug?

Every time you get a new prescription, ask three things. Does this interact with anything I already take? Are there foods or supplements to avoid? What warning signs should I watch for? Write down the answers. Keeping an updated medicine list in your wallet also helps in an emergency.

Looking Forward

This study is a timely reminder that more pills do not always mean better health. Researchers call for more regular medication reviews, and many doctors now practice “deprescribing,” which means safely stopping drugs you no longer need. Schedule a medicine review this fall, before cold and flu season adds new remedies to the mix. For more ways to stay well, explore our Health & Wellness After 50 guide and our coverage of the latest cancer breakthrough offering hope for older adults.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always talk with your doctor or pharmacist before changing any medicine.