Health Warning for Women — Prescription Drugs Can be Fatal

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I guess it's just natural that we all feel relatively comfortable taking prescription drugs, after all, if our doctor says we need to take them they must be okay. Well, they usually are, but there are an awful lot of things that can go wrong even with drugs that are considered 'safe.'

Fatal overdoses in prescription drugs have increased 415% for women.

According to new data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more women than ever before are dying from prescription painkiller overdoses. Fatal overdoses have increased 415 percent among  women since 1999, compared to a 265 percent increase in men. CDC director Thomas Frieden calls these “really troubling numbers.”

According to public health officials, there has been no increase in pain-causing conditions that would justify the increase in prescriptions over the past 10 years. They say marketing by drug manufacturers to doctors has been partially to blame. Experts say doctors need to weigh the risks and benefits of using powerful painkillers for less serious conditions.

Before you take any medication, talk it over with your doctor.

Don't change your own dosage

Read the warning labels. If you can't reach your doctor with questions, ask your pharmacist if there are precautions you need to take before taking the drugs.

Make sure your doctor is aware of all your medical conditions and all drugs or even herbal supplements you are currently taking. It may mean you spend a few more minutes in the doctor's office, but it could save your life.