Prescription medication has revolutionized the way we manage illnesses and chronic conditions, offering relief and extending lives. This year, the global prescription drugs market is expected to reach a revenue of $1.08 trillion.
More than half of all Americans consume prescription drugs on a daily basis. However, these drugs, although prescribed, can pose risks when used improperly. The assumption that all prescriptions are inherently safe ignores the nuances of how they should be consumed.
From overlooking your doctor’s instructions to not considering drug interactions, mistakes can lead to dire consequences. Understanding what not to do when taking prescribed medication is as important as knowing when to take it.
Ignoring Your Doctor’s Instructions
When a doctor prescribes medication, their directions go beyond simple guidelines; they’re essential for the drug’s safety and efficacy. Skipping doses, taking more than the recommended amount, or abandoning a course prematurely can make the treatment ineffective or exacerbate your condition.
For example, antibiotics require a full course to ensure the complete eradication of harmful bacteria. In most cases, a full course of antibiotics runs for one or two weeks. Stopping early may allow the infection to resurge, sometimes with drug-resistant strains.
Similarly, exceeding the prescribed dosage for painkillers might seem like a way to get faster relief. However, it can lead to addiction or potentially fatal overdose.
Your doctor’s instructions are tailored specifically to your condition, weight, and overall health. Disregarding these instructions transforms a helpful medicine into a potentially harmful substance.
Not Double-Checking the History of the Medication
Prescription medications come with their own histories, often involving years of testing, research, and monitoring. However, some drugs have later been linked to serious side effects or legal actions.
Patients rarely consider these factors, assuming that their doctor or pharmacist has already done the due diligence. While healthcare professionals strive to provide safe options, it’s still crucial for you to stay informed.
For instance, some patients have experienced permanent hearing loss or severe hearing impairment after using certain medications without understanding their risks. A notable example is Tepezza, which, according to TorHoerman Law, is a drug used to treat thyroid eye disease.
While effective for its intended use, reports of hearing loss have emerged, leading to the Tepezza lawsuit. Patients often wish they had been made aware of these possibilities before beginning treatment. Neglecting to investigate the potential side effects of a medication can lead to long-term consequences. If you notice changes in your hearing or other unexpected symptoms, consulting your doctor immediately is vital.
Don’t rely solely on provided pamphlets. Research widely and even inquire about any ongoing hearing loss lawsuits or other legal concerns tied to the medication you’re prescribed.
Mixing Medications Without Consulting a Doctor
In an era where many people manage multiple health conditions, it’s common to take several medications at once.
Besides, the modern social media-centric world tends to pay a little too much heed to popular content creators on various platforms. It’s not uncommon for people to take or even mix medications based on advice offered by these creators. In most cases, these content creators are not authorized to offer medical advice, let alone tell you what medication to take.
Mixing prescriptions or combining them with over-the-counter drugs without consulting your doctor can be dangerous. Drug interactions can alter the way medications work, reduce their effectiveness, or even produce harmful side effects.
Consider antidepressants and painkillers. Many of these drugs interact negatively with each other, leading to conditions like serotonin syndrome, which can cause confusion, seizures, or even death. Similarly, combining blood thinners with certain pain relievers may result in internal bleeding.
Assuming All Side Effects are Minor
It’s common to dismiss minor symptoms like headaches or nausea as insignificant side effects of medication. However, some seemingly small reactions can serve as warning signs for more severe problems. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to serious health issues.
For example, statins – widely prescribed to lower cholesterol – can sometimes cause muscle pain, which might eventually lead to kidney failure. Likewise, medications like isotretinoin, used for severe acne, come with the risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy.
Patients often assume that because side effects are listed on the label, they’re unavoidable and not worth addressing. However, reporting even mild side effects to your doctor allows for adjustments to your treatment plan or the prescription of alternative medications.
Sharing or Borrowing Prescription Medications
A common yet dangerous practice is sharing prescription drugs with others or borrowing them from friends and family. While it might seem harmless, particularly for medications like antibiotics or painkillers, this behavior can have severe repercussions.
Prescription medications are tailored to an individual’s unique needs, considering factors like age, weight, existing medical conditions, and even genetic predispositions. Sharing drugs disregards these nuances and may result in severe allergic reactions or overdoses.
Borrowing medication also ignores the risks of improper dosing or consuming drugs that interact negatively with others you’re already taking. Painkillers, for instance, can cause respiratory depression in people with conditions like asthma. Antibiotics borrowed for an assumed bacterial infection might not be effective and can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Neglecting Follow-Up Appointments
Prescription medications are not a “set it and forget it” solution. Many treatments require monitoring to ensure they’re working effectively and safely.
Skipping follow-up appointments can lead to unmanaged side effects or an unaddressed need for adjustments in dosage or drug type. Ignoring these appointments can undermine the purpose of the medication and leave you vulnerable to complications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I not do when taking medicine?
Avoid taking medicine with alcohol, as it can interfere with the drug’s effectiveness or cause harmful side effects. Never take more than the prescribed dose, even if you feel worse. Avoid sharing your medicine with others, as their condition and medical history might differ, leading to complications.
What three rules should you follow when taking prescription drugs?
Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness. Store the medication as directed, such as in a cool, dry place, to maintain its potency. Keep a consistent schedule for taking the medicine and inform your doctor about any other drugs or supplements you’re using to prevent interactions.
What are the dangers of prescription drugs?
Prescription drugs can cause side effects, ranging from mild to severe, depending on the individual and medication. They may interact with other drugs or substances, leading to dangerous reactions. Misuse, such as taking higher doses or using without a prescription, increases the risk of addiction, overdose, or long-term health problems.
Prescription medications are invaluable tools for managing and improving health, but they come with responsibilities. The consequences of negligence can range from mild side effects to severe health crises.
Staying informed, vigilant, and proactive in your treatment ensures that your medication does what it’s intended to. By taking the time to fully understand the power of your prescriptions, you take a critical step toward maintaining your health and well-being.
