HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

In a recent report by the Association of Manufacturers and Distributors Companies (AECOC), a concerning trend has come to light in Spain. The consumption of medicines in the country has seen a significant increase of 12.8 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels. Data from the Ministry of Health confirms this surge in medical prescriptions, with a 4.07 percent rise in invoiced containers and a 3.12 percent increase in pharmaceutical spending in August 2023 when compared to the previous year.

While increased medication consumption might seem like a natural response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, it brings to the forefront a potentially dangerous issue – the risk of combining various types of drugs without the proper medical supervision. This burgeoning trend raises questions about the potential consequences and the lesser-known dangers of drug interactions.

Medication Risks: Understanding Interactions and Implications

Increased medication use raises a serious concern: the risk of medication interactions.

These interactions occur when medications, either alone or in combination with supplements or food, lead to unintended reactions in the body. These reactions can range from changes in drug effectiveness to adverse effects, and in severe cases, even death.

Certain medications, like antidepressants and anxiolytics, are particularly prone to interacting with other drugs. Spain has witnessed a significant uptick in the use of diazepam, an anxiolytic, according to data from the International Narcotics Control Board. This highlights the need to understand potential interactions involving these medications.

Examples of Risky Drug Combinations

Several examples highlight the risks associated with combining different types of medications:

• Antidepressants and Pain Relievers: A study published in The British Medical Journal warned about the risk of intracranial haemorrhage in patients who combined antidepressants with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
• Anxiolytics and Opiates: The United States FDA has issued warnings about combining anxiolytics like benzodiazepines with opioid medications, which can lead to serious side effects, including respiratory difficulty and, in the worst cases, death.
• Anxiolytics and Muscle Relaxants: Combining these drugs without proper medical supervision can seriously compromise the respiratory system.
• Anticoagulants and Aspirin: The combination of these two drugs increases the risk of bleeding due to their opposing effects on blood coagulation.

Vulnerable Patients and the Risks They Face

Certain groups of patients are more vulnerable to the risks associated with drug interactions that could, by combining medications, lead to them potentially experiencing unwanted effects.

The vulnerable groups include:

• Polymedicated patients
• Individuals with chronic diseases
• The elderly

According to the 2020 European Health Survey in Spain, a significant percentage of the population suffers from chronic diseases. Women tend to experience osteoarthritis and high blood pressure more frequently, while men are more prone to high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

The elderly, in particular, are at risk for the following reasons:

• Elderly individuals are especially vulnerable because they often take multiple medications daily.
• Some may combine these medications with dietary supplements without notifying their healthcare providers.
• Age-related physiological changes, including alterations in liver metabolism and kidney function, can influence how medications interact within the body.

In conclusion, the surge in medication consumption in Spain is a matter of concern, as it raises the spectre of potential drug interactions. These interactions can have a range of consequences, from reduced drug efficacy to serious side effects, including the possibility of death.

It is crucial for individuals, especially those at higher risk, to consult with their healthcare providers and communicate openly about their medication regimes and any additional supplements they may be taking. Taking this step can help ensure the safe and effective use of medications in an increasingly medicated world.

Sources: 20minutos