Yesterday, officials released details about the tragic and untimely death of actor
Heath Ledger. Despite speculation Ledger committed suicide or died from illegal drugs, it was revealed he was felled by a deadly combination of prescription medications. According to a medical examiner, he was taking a number of drugs concurrently, including painkillers, anti-anxiety pills and sleep aids.
Ledger’s case is extreme; the examiner said he was abusing prescription drugs. However, every hour, 68 Americans visit emergency rooms across the country because of side effects caused by mixing over the counter and Rx medications. Many are woefully unaware of the dangers of poly pharmacy.
All of this indicates we need a robust public education campaign to inform Americans about the dangers of mixing medications. While Ledger’s death has helped to raise awareness, we can do more to prevent others from sharing his fate.
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