CHICAGO, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Older people risk health problems by mixing unsafe combinations of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, say researchers at the University of Chicago.
Nearly 2.2 million U.S. adults, ages 57 to 85, are at risk for problems such as internal bleeding and muscle weakness, said the study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Researchers noted a significance increase during the last decade of supplements, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, omega-3 fatty acids, garlic and glucosamine-chondroitin, USA Today reported Wednesday.
"Some may assume that, just because a drug is available without a prescription, it's safe," said Dima Qato, a pharmacist who led the study at the University of Chicago.
The findings mean the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, policymakers, doctors, pharmacists and patients all must focus on improving drug safety for older adults," Qato said.
