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Whenever I am prescribed a drug for the first time, I always review the information that is enclosed. Then I promptly forget what I read. After all, the prescribing doctor gave the medication to me for a reason, and I know I need to follow the dosage for as long as the medication is needed. Then I move on.
How about you?
How often do you pay attention to the side effects of prescription drugs? How about non-prescription drugs such as aspirin, Tylenol, or over-the-counter cold medications? Or vitamins and supplements?
What we should ask ourselves is: What will this medication do to my body?
For instance, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen can cause bleeding. Acetaminophen such as Tylenol and Vicodin, are in a different class and can cause serious liver damage when too much is taken.
Many people pop pills without considering what those pills are doing to their body. Even the common aspirin can cause problems. And that does not even address the side effects from much stronger prescription drugs. We are supposed to feel better when we take the medication, not cause serious damage to our body and our health.
What can we do to protect ourselves?
- Check the active ingredients to see what they contain. Whether taken by mouth or injected, know what is going into your body and why. Hundreds of drugs affect your mouth, teeth and gums, alone. Your dentist can and should keep an eye out for problems in that area. That doesn’t even cover the rest of your body.
- Beware of mixing medications. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist or doctor. Every doctor you see should be aware of all the medications you are taking, including vitamins and aspirin. Your dentist should also have a record of current medications and dosage.
- Always read labels and follow the directions. Especially check for any warnings that are given. Know how the medication may interact with other drugs you are taking. Read any extra material your druggist or physician provides you.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call your pharmacist or physician. They can help you determine if you are taking too many drugs, the wrong type of drug, or how the medications will interact with one another other.
Do not let the side effects from common over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements, and prescribed medications cause you and your body harm. Research has come a long way in providing us a way to heal many conditions and diseases that were not available to our forefathers and mothers. Now, we need to become knowledgeable about medication side effects so that we can stay healthy and live long lives.
