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Understanding Side Effects

May 1, 2011 in Drug Side Effects

Understanding Side Effects

Any medicine may produce unwanted or unexpected side effects (also known as adverse drug reactions). Many side effects are linked to the way the medicine works to treat a patient.

Some side effects, however, are not linked in this way and can be unpredictable. As individuals, different patients may respond in different ways to the same medicine. For this reason, it is often difficult to predict how different patients will respond to a medicine, including whether they will experience any side effects.

No effective medicine is completely free of side effects, however, most side effects are relatively uncommon. In general, the majority of people who take a particular medicine do not experience any serious side effects. Even side effects that are described as common may only occur in a few people in every 100 who take the medicine.

When you decide with your doctor that you should take a medicine, you should consider not only the risk that you may possibly experience a side effect, but also the benefit that you will gain from the medicine, and the risks of not treating the condition. For instance, if you are taking a medicine to treat a life threatening illness, you might be more willing to accept the possibility of more serious side effects than if you are simply treating a cold or a headache.

When determining whether a medicine should be granted a license for use, an analysis of the risk-benefit balance of the medicine is undertaken. ith information from trials, the potential benefits of the medicine in curing or relieving the symptoms of the condition for which it is intended to be used are considered alongside:

  • the potential risks of the side effects the medicine might
    cause, and
  • the risk to the patient if the condition is not treated.
  • The medicine should only be given a licence if the benefits of its use in patients are shown to justify or outweigh these risks.

    Understanding Your Meds

    At some time in our lives, we all have to go see a doctor, either for ourselves or a member of our family. Many times, the doctor will write a prescription, which may only be filled at a pharmacy. Today there are more and more prescriptions being written and filled. Many times these prescriptions are difficult to read. The pharmacist works hard to make sure you get the right medicine prescribed by your doctor. To get the fullest benefit from your prescription, avoid problems, and reduce possible side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist the following questions:

  • What is the name of the medicine? What is it
    supposed to do?
  • What is the dose of the medicine?
  • Are there food, drinks, other medicines, or activities I should avoid while taking this medicine?
  • What are the possible side effects of the medicine? What should I do if they occur?
  • How long will I need to take the medication?
  • When you pick up your medicine at the pharmacy, check the label carefully to be sure it is the medicine you were prescribed by your doctor. And ask your pharmacist any questions you might have about the prescription.

    First-time Prescriptions

    When your doctor prescribes a medication for you for the first time, make sure to tell him or her the following:

  • The names of all medicines you are currently taking, including both over-the-counter and prescription medication as well as any dietary supplements. It is important for your doctor to know this information in order to prescribe the medicine that will be the most helpful. (Keep a list of medicines and how to take them.)
  • Any concerns you have about using your medication. For example, if cost is a concern there may be a generic drug or another lower cost medicine you can take.
  • If you are allergic to any medication or have had troubling side effects from a medication that has been prescribed to you.
  • Any illnesses or problems for which another doctor or health professional is treating you.
  • 1 response to Understanding Side Effects

    1. estoy tomando elequine 500mg para tratar prostatitis crónica pero ademas de cansancio he sentido algunos sintomas como que tuviera temperatura (no lo he comprabado) puede ser esto un efecto secundario del medicamento?




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