Medication side effects

[horsiie]

Would appreciate if there is anyone help explain if it is possible for proscribed medication to have such side effects as can actually affect another organ and cause damage.

 

[Kaykay034]

Yes prescribed medicine can cause major side effects. These are usually listed in the information sheet that comes with the prescribed medicine, so check there first. I'll give you an example from experience:

About 2 years ago my doctor decided (against my wishes) to change my medication to a "cheaper" alternative. Within two days I'd developed every single side effect listed on the information sheet, including a grossly swollen left breast. The doctor only agreed to change me back to my original medication, and thought my breast would get better of its own accord.

Well it didn't. I went back the day after and saw the practice nurse for help on managing the pain. She called the doctor in, gave him a severe ticking off, and he put me on two doses of anti-biotics and sent me up to the hospital for tests. Apparently the symptoms mimic a severe form of breast cancer, and they wanted to be sure it wasn't. So 4 mammograms, 3 core biopsies and 2 ultrasounds later, I was told I had a benign breast lump and it would never go away completely. So much for "saving the NHS money".

It has been said that 30% of patients in hospital are there because of the side-effects of the drugs they were originally prescribed.

 

[Danica Marie]

Thanks Chris. So sorry to hear of your problems. I know of others who also suffered due to change for cheaper medicines. Hope you're much better soon. I've been on heart medication and began to experience many varied symptoms, many that I would never have associated with such, (Eye problems and depression being worst effects) but since coming off them, I can't believe the difference. Would love to hear if there are others have experienced the same. Will give more details if anyone wishes for more.