Medicines and side effects

Recently we have added a new tool on our website which helps you know more about any medicine that is available in India.

There was a lot of information on side effects of the medicine in the tool so I wanted to write about this topic

Unwanted side effects can be seen for many medicines. Out of hundred people taking a medicine only one or two people may have an unwanted side-effect. Now what more do you need to know about medicines and their side effects:

· Prescription medicines can cause side effects

All medicines can cause unwanted side effects. For example, antibiotics such as penicillin cause allergic reactions in around five per cent of the population. Skin rashes are a common reaction. However, it may be the illness or the medicines that are to blame for the reaction, and telling the difference is tricky. A further complication is the interaction of any other medicines, including complementary medicines, which the person may be taking.

· Herbal medicines also cause side effects

Many people believe that Herbal preparations, such as herbal remedies, are safer because they are derived from natural sources. This isn’t always true. Some herbs can act on the body as powerfully as any allopathic medicine, and unwanted side effects can occur.

· Alcohol used with medicines can cause side effects

Consuming alcohol with some medicines can also cause unwanted and sometimes dangerous side effects. These effects include drowsiness with antihistamines or antidepressant medicines. Drivers and pilots should be very careful in this regard.

Now what should some one do if they experience side effects

Note down exactly what happened and consult your doctor. The dose or type of medicine may need to be adjusted.

If you are sensitive to a particular medicine, your doctor can suggest a substitute. Please don’t ask your pharmacist for a substitute. This is a way to get more side effects. J

Now what should a person do to reduce their chances of side effects

• Take all medicines strictly as prescribed. Taking medication incorrectly can cause side effects.
• Don’t take anyone else’s medicines. Even if the both of you have the same problem.
• Learn about your medication. We have a facility known as "Know your medicine" on our website just click on the link below
  http://personalcare.yoscare.in/know_your_medicines
  This tool helps you to get more information about any medicine that you want to know more about.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription, and ayurvedic and homeopathic
• Ask your doctor if improving your lifestyle could reduce your need for medication. Some conditions can be better managed with changes to your diet and regular exercise.
• You need to take the medicines on time and we have a facility that can help you organize your pill taking known as medication reminders for registered users (it’s free). You may be at risk of making mistakes if you take many different medicines at different times.