Skip to main content

IN THE RING OF LIFE: WHAT ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS?

Medicine according to the Online Cambridge Advanced English Dictionary refers to something that treats or prevents or alleviates the symptoms of diseases while Drug refers to a substance that is used as a medicine or narcotic. Dose is also defined as a measured portion of medicine taken at any one time. Medicines come in several forms including liquid, tablet, capsule, suppository, injection, inhalers, drop, implants or patches and topicals. 

There are three main categories of medicines namely over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, prescription and complementary medicines. OTCs include aspirin and other pain relievers, antacids, laxatives, allergy, and cough and cold medicines. They can be purchased at pharmacies, convenience and grocery stores without a prescription. Prescription medicines include medicines which can help clear an ear or sinus infection, lower elevated blood pressure, or treat or manage a wide range of chronic and potentially life-threatening conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and cancer. These medicines require a prescription from a doctor or other licensed health care providers and should be taken exactly as directed by the person for whom they are prescribed. Complementary medicines (also known as 'traditional' or 'alternative' medicines) include vitamin, mineral, herbal, aromatherapy, and homoeopathic products. These are also available without a prescription.

A side effect is referred to as an unwanted or unexpected result or condition that comes along with the desired effect of something. Every medicine has some side effects which are not always friendly to the one seeking relief. In certain worst case scenarios, the side effects of certain medications may end up worsening the condition of the patient or bring about a new condition altogether. Terms used to describe how likely a side effect is to occur on average are: very common (affects more than 1 person in 10); common (affects between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people); uncommon (affects between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1,000 people); rare (affects between 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 10,000 people); very rare (affects fewer than 1 in 10,000 people); not known (unknown number of people who are affected).

Side effects may occur when one starts taking a medicine, has been taking a medicine for a while, has a change in the dose of a medicine; or stops taking the medicine abruptly. General side effects of certain commonly used medicines include severe nausea, vomiting or stomach pain; bloody or tarry stools or coughing up blood; fever lasting longer than 3 days; chest pain; swelling or pain lasting longer than 10 days; upset stomach; heartburn; ringing in one’s ears, confusion, hallucinations, rapid breathing, seizure (convulsions); drowsiness; dry mouth; sleep problems; restlessness; loss of appetite; sexual dysfunction; hot flashes; or mild headache. Often these side effects, if taken for granted, can lead to more fatal situations.

It is common to wait on the healthcare provider or pharmacist or expect them to explain the side effects of medications but seeking information by oneself about the active ingredients and side effects of medications is crucial for the following reasons;
1. Every human system reacts uniquely to medicines. No two individuals share the same system thus reactions to medications will differ for every individual. It is therefore important to be informed about the side effects of any medication you take. It is unsafe to rely on recommendations or make assumptions on how you will react to a medication only because someone tells you it worked for him or her.

2. It helps you identify any unusual reactions. Some people have allergies or underlying conditions; thus, they need to be informed about the likely side effects of medicines before they take them. This will enable them easily sight any unfavourable reactions from taking the medicine. This knowledge is key to help clinicians or prescribing pharmacists make any necessary changes to medicines for highest efficacy.

3. It enables one make informed choices about usage of the medicine. In our part of the world, sometimes prescriptions are given based on the financial capabilities of the client. Sadly, the efficacy of the medicine and sometimes the side effects are also determined by the specific brands. Asking about the side effects of medicines can help one decide where to put his or her money. Again, it can help decide on prioritising one’s wellbeing over the cost one may incur.

4. It guides you to avoid potentially harmful combinations. Some medicines cannot be combined with some foods or medicines due to negative consequences for the user. Having insight about the medicine especially the side effects will help the client avoid causing harm to self with bad combinations.

It is important to note that combining medicines with alcohol intake or substance abuse can be damaging to the client who uses it. Also, over dose, abuse or taking medicines prescribed for others can be fatal and should be avoided. Key questions you can ask your pharmacist or health care provider for clarity on side effects of prescribed medicines can be; What are the possible side effects? How common are the side effects? Are there any serious side effects and how likely are these? Can I do anything to avoid or reduce the side effects? Will the side effect get better with time? and What should I do if I am worried about a side effect?

Fortunately, almost all medicines contain a consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet which provides detailed information about the composition of the drug, uses, side effects among others. Regrettably, most individuals do not take the time to thoroughly read and digest the information provided before usage. Others too, may not be literate thus cannot read and understand the information provided. 

Some individuals ignorantly abuse medications or take them without knowing the side effects. This may lead to extreme adverse reactions or indirectly cause damage to some vital organs of the body in the long term. As a result, precious lives may be lost due to avoidable prescription errors, lack of enlightenment or ignorance about the right use of medicines and its side effects.

Be safe and save the lives of others you are responsible for. Ask relevant questions about the side effects of medicines before you purchase and begin usage. Your life matters, tend to it well!

Comments

Post a Comment

Please remember to click the follow button on the top left corner of the page. Warmest Regards!

Popular posts from this blog

IN THE RING OF LIFE: CARE FOR THE STUDENT LIVING WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS

Substance use disorders, depression, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, and suicidal behaviour have been reported in the broader literature as the typical and most prevalent mental health problems among the youth population in Ghana and within the Sub-Saharan Africa region (Nyundo et al., 2020; Ohene & Ofori-Atta, 2014). This is a source of grave concern to many stakeholders especially in the educational sector. It worthy to note that educational pursuits are essential for the individual for many reasons; to gain knowledge and information, build capacity, develop goals, and influence employment opportunities. It also enables the individual to learn social skills and soft skills, address social inequality and be responsible contributors to society.  Despite its numerous benefits, the pursuit of education may also be daunting for students irrespective of their age. However, for students who are recovering from any form of mental health conditions (MHC), educational pursuit c...
Post a Comment
Read more

IN THE RING OF LIFE: WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT COUNSELLING? PART 1

Counselling is an allied health profession and support service which involves a helping relationship facilitated by a trained professional known as Counsellor and a person in need who is known as Client . The term “counsellor” is one that has diverse definitions. However, for one to be considered as a counsellor, he or she must meet certain criteria and be certified by the relevant authority for such practice. Some studies have shown that counselling and allied fields such as psychotherapy and guidance are still evolving in the Ghanaian context. Thus, many people still lack the requisite knowledge and information about the service offering. In fact, there is evidence pointing to the fact that quite often, what most people subscribe to is seeking advice which they loosely term as counselling. In this three-part series, we first offer some insight into the various definitions of counselling and its related fields. We will then discuss the role of a counsellor and the need to seek prof...
1 comment
Read more

IN THE RING OF LIFE: A NEED FOR HEALTH CHECK UP II

This post is a continuation and concluding part of the two-part series on health check-up. If you haven’t read the first part yet, please access it via https://reflectiveseedsbycounsellorseyram.blogspot.com/2024/04/in-ring-of-life-need-for-health-check.html The first part discusses six reasons why one needs to undergo regular health check-ups. These include the fact that it  is cost effective;  exposes health conditions which are then managed to help alleviate negative effects;  helps to detect most life threatening conditions which happen progressively;  helps to safeguard oneself against risk factors;  helps one to put one’s mind at rest about one’s state of health; and  helps one to appreciate the fact that health is one’s wealth. The present text will present some important tests one can request for at the hospital as part of health screening. 1. Mental Health Screening: This comprises the use of assessment tests or tools, questionnaire, interview and/o...
Post a Comment
Read more