The majority of medication available over-the-counter or with a prescription comes with a risk of side effects, whether minor irritations or more serious health concerns. Each year, emergency rooms across the United States deal with more than 700,000 visits as a result of adverse drug events, according to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Older patients, particularly those over 65 years of age, are more at risk than younger adults and are nearly seven times more likely to be hospitalized following an emergency room visit. Furthermore, a recent telephone survey by Consumer Reports found patients in this age range are less likely to discuss the potential side effects of drugs with their physicians. Speaking to Consumer Reports, Michael Steinman, MD, professor of medicine at the University of California suggested one reason for this is "they may think they're experiencing a symptom of their condition, or that it's just due to old age". 

The CDC recommends four simple steps to reduce the risk of harm as a result of adverse drug events and side effects: 

1. Keep a list of all the medication you take. 

Organization pays off when it comes to your health. Smartphone apps available to help you keep track of the drugs and medication you are taking, but you can just as easily keep a notebook or journal with a detailed list of your medication. Make sure you record the name, brand, dosage, and frequency with which you take the drug as well as any supplements or over-the-counter medicines.

2. Follow any directions on the packaging or from your healthcare provider.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires all medication to come with detailed instructions on its correct use and administration. Always read the packaging and ensure you take medicine correctly. Some drugs, for example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as Motrin (ibuprofen), should be taken with food to avoid side effects of stomach irritation, indigestion, and ulcers. 

3. Speak to your pharmacist, physician or healthcare provider and don't be afraid to ask questions. 

Any doubts or concerns about your medication should be raised with a healthcare professional. If you are struggling with the side effects of a particular medication, there may be a more suitable option available for you. If you take more than one medication, a physician will also be able to establish whether there is an interaction between your medicines and adjust treatment accordingly. 

4. Keep up with any physician-recommended blood testing. 

Certain drugs require regular monitoring so doctors can adjust the dose. According to the CDC, more than four out of ten emergency room visits requiring hospitalization of a patient are caused by medicines that require regular monitoring with blood tests. Blood thinners like Jantoven (warfarin), diabetes medication such as insulin, seizure medication, and heart medicine, for example, Lanoxin (digoxin) were highlighted as particularly common drug classes requiring frequent monitoring.

There are also a number of other measures and precautions you can take to reduce the chance you will experience side effects or adverse events as a result of taking medication. 

Don't drink alcohol

Alcohol may increase the risk of side effects so should not be consumed by patients taking certain drugs. Anti-anxiety medication such as Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam) have a higher risk of dizziness, drowsiness, overdose and slowed breathing when mixed with alcohol. However, other medication also carries a greater risk of side effects when mixed with alcohol, for example, certain antibiotics, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, blood thinners, and opioid pain relievers. Always read the labels and warnings and talk to your doctor if you are at all uncertain. 

Speak to a physician before stopping medication

Some medication can have unpleasant or uncomfortable side effects when patients stop taking it. Always consult a healthcare professional before cutting a drug out of your treatment. Doctors can help you reduce dosages slowly, recommend alternative treatments and advise you on how to safely come off a medicine. 

According to the FDA, the best way to understand the possible side effects of a medication is to read the drug label, which is the "most complete single source of information on the drug". The website DailyMed, provided by the National Library of Medicine as a public service, also features a comprehensive archive of drug labels. Another useful resource is the FDA website, which features consumer-friendly medication guides to help patients understand their medication and how to take their medications safely and correctly.  

If you have any concerns about the side effects of your medication, book an appointment with your physician or consult your local pharmacist.