Executive Summary

Mnemonic device "AVOID" can help physicians prevent adverse drug reactions caused by interactions with OTCs, supplements, says new 1educational module on "Preventable Adverse Drug Reactions: A Focus on Drug Interactions." AVOID refers to questions healthcare practitioners should ask patients when taking medication histories: allergies; vitamins/herbs; old drugs and OTCs; interactions; and dependence. Document developed by Arizona Center for Education & Research on Therapeutics and CDER also highlights Web site 2www.drug-interactions.com, a table listing major cytochrome P450 isozymes involved in drug metabolism and the drugs metabolized by them. List includes St. John's wort, which is the focus of NCCAM-funded studies on its potential drug interactions...