Summary
- Every medicine can trigger unwanted adverse effects. The medicines include prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medications (herbal supplements as well as vitamins).
- If you’re concerned about a medication, get medical attention immediately.
- The active ingredients in medicines may “clash”. Thus, taking more than one medication at once could increase the risk of adverse reactions.
- Inform your doctor about your medications and the ones you’re taking. It is possible to request an annual check-up of your medication.
What are the possible side effects?
A side effect can be a side effect caused by treatment. All medications can cause adverse reactions, including prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medications. Complementary medicine includes herbal remedies along with vitamins, as well as some items prescribed by naturopaths as well as other practitioners who specialise in complementary therapies.
Around 230,000 Australians receive admission to hospitals each year due to issues with their medications, which can include side effects. Although most side effects are manageable, some may be grave and could even lead to death.
Your best interest to make the right decisions about your medication. Consult your physician or pharmacist for more details and recommendations.
Prescription medications can trigger adverse effects
All medications can cause undesirable adverse consequences. For instance, some antibiotics may trigger allergic reactions in about five per cent of the population. The skin rashes are a typical reaction. But it’s not always clear whether the cause is the medication or the illness.
Interactions with other medications that the patient is taking could cause additional complications. There are interactions between prescription, over-the-counter and other complementary medications.
Complementary medicines can also trigger negative side reactions
Around 60 per cent of Australians take advantage of complementary medicine at least once in a year. Many believe they are safer because they originate directly from nature. But this isn’t always the case.
Certain herbal remedies affect the body in the same way as conventional drugs; however, unwanted adverse effects may occur.
A few examples of complementary medicine that may cause adverse effects are:
- Echinacea: More than 20 distinct kinds of reaction have been documented. There are asthma attacks, swelling, hives, muscle pain and stomach disturbances.
- The herb: Feverfew is recommended for pregnant women. Do not take this herb because it may induce contractions of the uterus. In animal studies, the use of feverfew caused spontaneous abortions (miscarriages).
Complementary medicine can interfere with prescription medications
Around one-in-five Australians use both prescription and alternative medications. The active ingredients of these medicines may interact and increase the possibility of adverse side effects.
Certain medications contain similar active ingredients that could act in a similar way. Other medicines that complement each other can affect the effectiveness of prescription medications or less efficient.
Certain combinations that could make people’s health a risk are:
- Echinacea can interact with medicines which are broken down by the liver.
- A variety of complementary medicines (including feverfew, ginkgo, and chamomile) could cause bleeding to increase among those taking anticoagulant medications (such as warfarin) as well as anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin).
- St John’s wort increases serotonin. When taken in conjunction with other drugs that boost serotonin (such as antidepressants), it could cause serotonin toxicity. Serotonin-related toxicity can range from mild to life-threatening. The symptoms include tremors, high temperatures and a drop in blood pressure.
To get advice on complementary medicines, talk to your doctor or another health professional.
In combination with medicine, alcohol can result in adverse side consequences
Consuming alcohol in conjunction with certain medicines can cause undesirable (and often dangerous) adverse consequences. For instance:
- Alcohol can cause drowsiness and dizziness when combined with some antihistamines and antidepressants. Sleep tablets, or medications for anxiety.
- The effects of alcohol can be detrimental to medicines to treat high blood pressure and travel sickness.
- If alcohol is combined with prescription medications that are strong, such as opioid pain medications, this combination may increase the likelihood of an overdose. The combination of opioids and alcohol can reduce a person’s breathing rate, which can lead to sleepiness and loss of consciousness.
- Certain antibiotics can interact negatively with alcohol and can trigger severe reactions. Some symptoms include stomach upset as well as facial flushing, headache as well as a rapid or irregular heartbeat, fatigue, or dizziness.
Be aware that alcohol may remain within your body for many hours following your last drink It is therefore vital to be aware that interactions can happen long after you’ve stopped drinking.
Speak to your doctor or any other health professional for advice on your medications and drinking alcohol.
What should you do if you have adverse reactions
If you experience any side effects during your medications:
- In an emergency, always call triple zero (000).
- Be aware of the possible negative effects of the medication and talk to your physician or pharmacist should you have any questions. You may have to alter the dosage or kind of medication you take.
How can you minimise the risk of adverse reactions
Reduce the chance of developing side effects:
- Use all medications as prescribed by your physician.
- Do not take any other medicine.
- Learn more about your medicine. Every prescription medicine comes with an information leaflet referred to as Consumer Medicine Information (CMI). It provides detailed information about the medication in simple English and includes the proper use as well as side effects and warnings. The pharmacist may also provide you with the CMI for your medication.
- Consult your pharmacist when you are buying over-the-counter or other complementary medications. They will be able to advise you on the effects of side effects as well as interactions with other medications that you are taking. Be aware that medications that you purchase at the store could also cause adverse reactions.
- Inform your doctor about every medication you take that you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter and alternative medicines.
- Review your health every year and every medication you are taking. This is particularly important for elderly individuals as they are more prone to negative side effects. Reviewing can be conducted in an office or at your home. Talk to your doctor for more details about the review of your medication.
Other actions you can take to lower the chance of getting side effects from medication are:
- Consult your physician to determine if changing your lifestyle will decrease the requirement for medications. Certain conditions can be better treated with modifications to your diet and regular exercise.
- Return expired and unwanted medicines to your pharmacy to dispose of them safely. This is a no-cost service.
- Consult your pharmacist regarding dosage aids that will aid you in organising the pills you take. There’s a possibility of making mistakes if you use a variety of medicines at different times.
- Ask your pharmacist or doctor questions to help you comprehend the advantages and dangers of your medication.
