How many times have we all heard advertisements for a certain drug that will make right a problem we want fixed? It could be blood sugar, arthritis, heart issues, bladder problems, and on and on it goes.
I don't take much in the way of medication. I take a low dose blood pressure pill and that's it! I do know many in my age bracket that take a big heap of pills. Enough that a container to organize things is needed.
Pills are taken in the morning with food or later in the day with no food at all. Some cannot be taken while the other is churning about in your system.
I started thinking about this topic after getting my medication refill. I was asked by the nice girl if I had a question about the pills. I didn't but I wondered how long it takes to explain all the interactions and side effects if a customer takes lots of stuff.
You might be told that your medication could cause stomach upset, irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting. You could have diarrhea or constipation. Not at the same time of course. Maybe a bit of ringing in the ears. Don't know if there are other body locations that will ring or buzz.
How about a skin rash or itchiness somewhere? A little fluid retention or bloating might happen.
After all those side effects are we sure that the original problem has been addressed? Not to worry. You will be given another series of medications that will correct the collection of side effects.
I know there are many medications that will solve some serious problems we might encounter as we age. That is a good thing but are the side effects a problem that will add to our medication list?
By the way, the list of side effects I have listed here were there for me to read since I had bought some ibuprofen for foot pain. As it happens I still have sore feet and none of the side effects.
I must say thank-you to the good people at the drug store that at least take the time to discuss possible problems with a medication or two or three.
Thanks for listening this week. I wait for your calls to 250-846-5095. You could email a comment to mallory@bulkley.net.