Scientist discovers deadly drug combos we were never warned about

It may be the greatest prescription drug danger facing millions of Americans today – and odds are, you’ve never been told about it.

If you’re taking more than one drug right now, you know it’s a little like playing Russian roulette. That’s because many meds can react with each other and cause serious – and even life-threatening — complications.

But it looks like we haven’t been getting the whole story.

Because an Ivy League researcher has just discovered that some of the most popular drug combos on the market today could stop your heart cold and even kill you.

And our government didn’t just fail to warn us. It looks like they weren’t aware of the problem at all.

Deadly duos

If you ever meet Professor Nick Tatonetti from Columbia University, you might notice a big bruise in the middle of his forehead.

Because when it comes to trying to get the FDA to take drug interactions seriously, he’s been banging his head against the wall for years.

We all know someone who has a large number of pill bottles lined up in the bathroom. One for high blood pressure, one for depression, and maybe another one to treat all the side effects.

In fact, one out of every five Americans is now taking three or more prescription drugs.

And while our doctors’ offices and pharmacies are supposed to have computer software that warns of drugs you’re not supposed to take together, Tatonetti found there’s a huge number of interactions they’re missing.

Like enough to fill the Grand Canyon.

Tatonetti has found a new way to mine the FDA’s own drug data for serious drug reactions even our government doesn’t know about. In fact, several years ago he discovered how taking some antidepressants and statins together could send your blood sugar haywire.

You probably didn’t hear a thing about that. Because even after Tatonetti’s warning, the FDA didn’t lift a finger to warn anyone.

Now, with some help from colleagues and the Chicago Tribune, Tatonetti has scoured the FDA’s records again – this time, looking for interactions that could kill you.

And what Tatonetti, and a leading expert on drugs, Dr. Ray Woosley discovered was that certain meds, when taken together, can trigger a deadly heart rhythm called “QT prolongation.” In fact, QT prolongation may be the very reason that so many people drop dead – seemingly without explanation – after taking their prescription drugs.

And everyone is at risk, young or old.

So far, the team has released four examples of what they’ve discovered to be potentially deadly drug combos for the heart:

• Generic Cefazolin (an antibiotic), and the pain med meperidine (Demerol)
• Metoprolo (Lopressor and Toprol), for high blood pressure and angina, and fosphenytoin (Cerebyx), for seizures
• Ceftriaxone (Rocephin), an antibiotic, and lansoprazole (Prevacid), for heartburn and acid reflux
• Meperidine (Demerol), for pain, and vancomycin (Vancocin), an antibiotic.

But these are just the tip of the iceberg of killer drug interactions. And like an iceberg, the dangers are hidden from view — and most doctors and pharmacists don’t know about them.

And you can bet that the problem is only going to get worse from here. That’s because with more drugs being approved all the time, these reactions are piling up faster than the FDA can keep track of them.

And let’s face it – they don’t seem to be trying too hard.

The safest solution is always to take as few drugs, both prescription and OTC, as possible.

And if at any time when taking a med, you suspect something is wrong or you don’t feel right, start asking questions. Taking quick action, and looking out for yourself, just may end up saving your life.

P.S. If you’re tired of those annoying “senior moments” (you know, those brain hiccups where you can’t remember where you left your keys or parked your car), check out this 2-minute memory test from my friends at BestHealth Nutritionals. It’s supposed to help spot declining brain power —  maybe even before you realize it’s declining.

Sources:

“Data mining for deadly drug combinations” Sam Roe and Karisa King, February 11, 2016, Chicago Tribune, chicagotribune.com