HEALTH ADVICE – SIDE EFFECTS OF MEDICATION

The following should cover some of the questions you may have about medicines and side effects:

1. What do medicines do?

• treat your condition - e.g. an antibiotic, to treat certain infections
• control your condition - e.g. a medicine to lower your blood pressure
• treat the symptoms of your condition - e.g. a painkiller for toothache
• prevent you from becoming unwell - e.g. a vaccination against disease.

2. Will my medicine cause side effects?

The benefit of taking your medicine is expected to be greater than the risk of suffering any unwanted side effects. Most people take medicines without suffering any unwanted side effects, however all medicines can cause problems.

3. How can I reduce the risk of side effects?

Take your medicine as advised by the pharmacist or the person who prescribed it. If you bought the medicine yourself, follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.

Be careful about mixing medicines. Some medicines should not be taken together. Before taking a new medicine, it is important to tell the pharmacist or whoever prescribed it about any other medicines you are already taking. Don’t forget to tell them about any non-prescription medicines you may have bought in a pharmacy or supermarket.

Be aware that some things can increase the chance of your medicine causing side effects. Your patient information leaflet will tell you about any known risk factors and what you can do to reduce the chance of side effects. For example, you may be able to lower the risk of side effects by not drinking alcohol or not eating certain foods during your course of treatment.

4. Do side effects always come on straight away?

It depends on the medicine and the person. Some side effects can happen immediately - for example an allergic reaction. Some side effects might not start for several days or weeks - for example skin rashes – or even longer - for example stomach problems with some painkillers.

In general, side effects are most likely to happen soon after you start a new medicine or after your dose has been increased.

5. What should I do if I feel unwell after taking my medicine?

Check your patient information leaflet for information on side effects and action to take.

If in doubt, speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.