In our healthcare system, physicians rarely monitor individual reaction to prescriptions. Evaluating drug response transfers to patients.
Keep Better Track of Your Prescriptions
Medical doctors practice evidence-based medicine. Years of study and continuing education shape the view of patient treatments. Nearly every prescription has potential side effects. Yet, they are approved by government agencies like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because the risks are slight or outweigh the benefits. Over 20,000 prescription drug products are approved by FDA for marketing.
In today’s healthcare system within the United States and elsewhere, physicians rarely monitor individual reactions to prescriptions. Patients receive lengthy pages to read. The responsibility for evaluating drug response effectively transfers to patients. Not reading or understanding the literature can lead to puzzling adverse events.
Serious OTC Drug Reactions
Taken up to 4 weeks, a prescription for Omeprazole (a proton pump inhibitor) can cause a type of kidney problem (acute interstitial nephritis), diarrhea, bone fractures, or certain types of lupus erythematosus. That is a pretty diverse range for a drug sold over the counter (OTC) as Prilosec®.
Currently, the FDA does not list lupus erythematosus as a possible reaction, though it is widely reported in literature. Many people believe lupus to be an acquired autoimmune disorder linked to environmental, genetic, and hormonal factors. It can attack major organs, including the skin.
Who would imagine it is caused by an OTC remedy for stomach discomfort? Fortunately, the subacute condition may resolve upon discontinuance of the medication. In the interim, patients unaware of the source may try many remedies.
Reporting reactions unsupported by photographic or some other verifiable evidence might lead some physicians to doubt such side effects. So sending an email to your doctor saying, ‘I developed lupus after taking the prescription so it was discontinued,’ may cause some skepticism. Your anecdotal report might not be sufficient convincing evidence.
Another OTC medication has life-threatening consequences. Meclizine (Antivert®) is an antihistamine that is used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness. It may also be prescribed during otolaryngology visits to reduce dizziness and loss of balance (vertigo) caused by inner ear problems.
Notify your doctor immediately if you notice any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as restlessness, confusion), fast/irregular heartbeat (tachycardia), shaking (tremors), difficulty urinating, or seizures. What may be picked up at your local drug store, administered on a cruise ship, or given to sea-sick people on a small boat or yacht might cause a serious cardiology problem.
Resources For Information
Doctors and patients used to commonly purchase the Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR), which is still available. It shows pictures of drugs, describes how they are to be used, and lists side effects and contraindications. Much of this information is now available on Drugs.com or the Epocrates® app.
However, any pharmacy prescription includes a patient handout detailing much of the same information available from these sources. OTC medications likewise include a leaflet, albeit with tiny text, that warns patients of potential reactions.
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In light of the above examples, patients must educate themselves about potential drug risks. Do not take drugs prescribed to another person. To remain healthy be alert and report unusual reactions to your doctor.
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ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online to offset expense of the writing useful articles about individual. Slide extra posters into DeuPair Frames without removing from the wall.
ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may remit a small donation.
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