Introduction
When it comes to taking medication, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers that can come with it. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the risks associated with certain medications and the potential side effects they can have. This article will discuss the dangers lurking in your medicine and provide tips on how to make sure you are taking the right medication for your health. We will also discuss the importance of reading labels and understanding the ingredients in your medication. Finally, we will provide some tips on how to eat healthy and stay safe while taking medication.
Dangers Lurking in Your Medicine: Eat This, Not That
When it comes to taking medication, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with the drugs you’re taking. Unfortunately, many medications can have dangerous side effects, and some can even be deadly. Here are some of the most common dangers lurking in your medicine, and what you should do to stay safe.
Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs are often the most dangerous medications, as they can interact with other drugs and cause serious side effects. It’s important to always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking prescription drugs, and to never take more than the recommended dosage. Additionally, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you’re taking, as some drugs can interact with each other and cause serious health problems.
Over-the-Counter Drugs
Over-the-counter drugs can also be dangerous if taken in large doses or for long periods of time. Many of these drugs contain active ingredients that can cause serious side effects, such as liver damage, heart problems, and even death. Be sure to read the label carefully and follow the instructions for use.
Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements can also be dangerous if taken in large doses or for long periods of time. Many of these supplements contain active ingredients that can interact with other drugs and cause serious side effects. Additionally, some herbal supplements can contain contaminants that can be harmful to your health. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements.
Stay Safe
It’s important to be aware of the potential dangers lurking in your medicine. Be sure to always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking any medication, and to never take more than the recommended dosage. Additionally, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you’re taking, as some drugs can interact with each other and cause serious health problems.
Are you aware of potential dangers linked to your prescription and over-the-counter medications? “Every person has a unique set of circumstances, a unique set of disease states, is taking different drugs, and reacts to medications in a unique way. You can’t say that just because a drug that is safe for someone else, it will be safe for you,” says William Churchill, chief of pharmacy services at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Here are five dangers connected to common medications, according to experts. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Alcohol-based mouthwash can pose serious risks to your health, experts say. “Think of mouthwash as the equivalent of unnecessary antibiotics in your mouth,” says Mark Burhenne, DDS. “In the same way that antibiotics totally disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut (which can lead to poor immune function and a host of other problems), mouthwash destroys all bacteria indiscriminately. And just like you need them for gut health, you need good bacteria to support your oral microbiome, which can decrease the risk for common issues like cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath.”
“What makes opioid medications effective for treating pain can also make them dangerous,” says Carrie Krieger, PharmD. “At lower doses, opioids may make you feel sleepy, but higher doses can slow your breathing and heart rate, which can lead to death. And the feelings of pleasure that result from taking an opioid can make you want to continue experiencing those feelings, which may lead to addiction. You can reduce your risk of dangerous side effects by following your doctor’s instructions carefully and taking your medication exactly as prescribed. Make sure your doctor knows all of the other medications and supplements you’re taking.”
Grapefruit can interfere with prescription medications, experts warn. “Grapefruit and certain other citrus fruits, such as Seville oranges, can interfere with several kinds of prescription medications,” says Katherine Zeratsky, RD, LD. “Don’t take these interactions lightly. Some can cause potentially dangerous health problems. If you take prescription medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether your medication interacts with grapefruit or other citrus products. Problems arise because chemicals in the fruit can interfere with the enzymes that break down (metabolize) the medication in your digestive system. As a result, the medication may stay in your body for too short or too long a time. A medication that’s broken down too quickly won’t have time to work. On the other hand, a medication that stays in the body too long may build up to potentially dangerous levels.”
With so many new supplements containing new, untested ingredients, it can be incredibly difficult to gauge how safe—or dangerous—they might be. “The problem that we’ve had recently, in recent years especially, is that there’s been an explosion of new ingredients,” says Pieter Cohen, MD, an internist at Cambridge Health Alliance and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. “So, it’s not only that we’re worried about the ingredients that are legal and permitted in supplements or historically used in supplements for many years, but that there are many of these ingredients—these are individual compounds found in botanicals or other substances—that can pose health risks. Nowadays we’re seeing so many new innovations or brand-new ingredients being introduced to supplements. Again, because the FDA isn’t vetting these products before they show up on store shelves or on the internet, what happens is that they can pose unpredictable risks.”
People taking over the counter pain medication should be careful to follow dosage instructions and keep track of the time painkillers are taken to avoid accidental overdose. Over the counter medication is real medication—and can have serious side effects. “OTCs can increase blood pressure, pose cardiac risk, worsen asthma and complicate infections,” says pharmacist Dean Mercer.
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