What Is Your Medication Interaction Risk?

Taking multiple medications increases the chance of harmful interactions. This calculator estimates your risk level based on medication count, categories, and personal factors.

Number of Daily Medications

Include prescription drugs, OTC medications, and supplements.

Age Range

Older adults metabolize medications differently, increasing risk.

Prescriptions from Multiple Doctors

Multiple prescribers increase the risk of overlooked interactions.

Medication Categories (check all that apply)

Blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin, etc.)Sedatives or sleep aidsBlood pressure medicationsPain medications (opioids or NSAIDs)Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medicationsDiabetes medications (insulin or oral)

Methodology: Based on polypharmacy research from the American Geriatrics Society and FDA adverse event data. This is a screening tool only and does not replace a pharmacist or physician medication review.

Frequently Asked Questions

How common are medication interactions in seniors?

Extremely common. Studies show that among adults 65+ taking 5 or more medications, over 50% have at least one potentially harmful drug interaction. Adverse drug events cause over 125,000 deaths per year in the US and are a leading cause of hospitalization for seniors.

What is polypharmacy and why is it dangerous?

Polypharmacy means taking 5 or more medications simultaneously. It is dangerous because each additional medication exponentially increases the chance of interactions. With 5 medications there are 10 possible two-drug interactions; with 10 medications there are 45 possible interactions.

Should I stop taking a medication if I am worried about interactions?

Never stop a medication without consulting your doctor. Instead, request a comprehensive medication review from your pharmacist. Many pharmacies offer this service for free. Bring all medications including OTC drugs and supplements to the review.

How can a daily check-in help with medication safety?

Adverse drug reactions often cause symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or falls. ImAlive's daily check-in ensures someone notices if you are not responding normally, which could indicate a medication-related emergency. Early detection can be life-saving.