Expert Available To Discuss CDC Report Showing Poison Deaths Surpass Motor Vehicle Traffic Death Rates Among Adults 34 To 56

Main Category: Preventive Medicine
Also Included In: Compliance;  Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 18 Jul 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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Adults between the ages of 34 and 56 are at a greater risk of dying from poisonings than from motor vehicle accidents, according to a new report from the CDC.

The CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, released on Friday, states that poisoning death rates were higher than motor vehicle traffic death rates among adults aged 34 to 56 years between 2005 and 2006. Poisoning deaths include those resulting from drug overdose or other misuse of drugs and those associated with solid or liquid biologic substances, gases or vapors, or other substances. According to the CDC, 92 percent of poisoning deaths involved drugs.

The report reflects a trend evident in places including New Jersey, said Bruce Ruck, Pharm. D., director of drug information for the New Jersey Poison Information & Education System (NJPIES) at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School.

"New Jersey has experienced a steady increase in unintentional poisoning deaths," Ruck said. said. "Prescription drug abuse is increasing among all ages, from children through adults."

The New Jersey Poison Information & Education System urges people to:

- Take only medications that are prescribed for you. Never take or share other people's medications.

- Never take more or less medicine than your healthcare professional prescribes.

- Avoid drug interactions. Make sure your healthcare professional knows all medications you are currently taking.

- Read directions and warning labels on packages before taking medicine.

- Get rid of medicines that have expired or are no longer needed.

Contact a poison control center immediately if you or anyone you know has taken more medication than prescribed or you experience side effects from medications you take and/or chemicals you work with or are exposed to.

The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) is the nation's largest free-standing public health sciences university with nearly 5,700 students attending the state's three medical schools, its only dental school, a graduate school of biomedical sciences, a school of health related professions, a school of nursing and a school of public health on five campuses. Annually, there are more than two million patient visits at UMDNJ facilities and faculty practices at campuses in Newark, New Brunswick/Piscataway, Scotch Plains, Camden and Stratford. UMDNJ operates University Hospital, a Level I Trauma Center in Newark, and University Behavioral HealthCare, a statewide mental health and addiction services network.

Source: UMDNJ