ELM Exchange, Inc.

ELM Exchange Newsletter

September 2011

www.elmechange.com

Renal Failure Result of Medication Interaction

Numerous combinations of medications can produce adverse interactions and patients may be prescribed medications by physicians, dentists, non-physician providers or they may self-medicate with over-the-counter drugs and remedies. When providing a medication history patients may not consider some of the remedies, herbs and vitamins to be medication. Physicians may not think of procedure preparations such as laxatives as medications. Failure to consider potential interaction between these substances can result in patient harm.

The gastroenterologist was concerned with proper preparation of the patient for the procedure, but failed to check for potential adverse interaction between the ACE inhibitor and the laxative, even though it was an identified black box warning. Although many pharmacists will identify possible interaction, especially for regular customers, a physician cannot rely on this as the only safeguard.

PRINCIPLE:

A physician must obtain a complete history, identify the content of any unknown or unrecognized substance and learn of any potential interactions before providing a new medication prescription.

~Principle Quiz~

	Correct Answer
When obtaining a medication history a physician need only inquire about prescription medications.	False
Physician must be familiar with or look up the actual composition of trade name medications listed by a patient.	True
If a prescribed medication has been taken by patient for an intended one-time use, it may be re-prescribed without further evaluation if it does not achieve the intended effect.	False

About ELM Exchange, Inc.

For more than 20 years, ELM Exchange, Inc. (ELM stands for Education in Legal Medicine) has worked with hospitals, health systems, and insurance carriers to educate healthcare providers about risk and patient safety. ELM programs are a tested and proven offering that provides organizations with a method to proactively address critical risk issues and to easily monitor and document those efforts.

ELM is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

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