Hello
everyone! Going to the doctor can definitely be a scary event all in itself,
however, there are many times it is necessary.
Many people are very afraid to ask the important questions of their
doctor or pharmacists.
There are
many drugs on the market for various illnesses that are used to treat them, but
they have side effects that could cause other issues. Let’s take Xarelto, also known as
rivaroxaban. It is an anticoagulant used
to keep blood from clotting. Some of the
side effects of Xarelto include uncontrollable bleeding that may become
apparent due to symptoms such as coughing up or vomiting blood, headaches, red
or black stool, and spinal and epidural blood clots after a spinal tap or
epidural. I am sure that most people are
unaware of these side effects due the lack of information provided by companies
and physicians.
While it is
important to visit the doctor and take care of yourself, it is just as
important to know how a medication can affect you immediately or later in life.
Here are some questions that you should
ask your doctor and pharmacist when given a medication:
· What
are the generic and brand names for the prescribed medication? This information is
important so that you can do further research on the medication.
· What
are the possible side effects of the medication? This is important to know so that
you are aware of what types of problems to look for, as well as, consider if
you should stop taking the medication.
You should be aware of what to do if you notice any side effects.
· Does
the prescribed medication mix well with other medications you may be taking?
Not all medications play well together. It is very important to be aware of
this before you start taking a new medication so that you do not risk
preventable side effects and problems.
It is always a good idea to have a list of all medications you take, so
that you can ask the doctor or pharmacist if they will work well with other
medications.
· When
is the best time to take the medication? In the morning, afternoon, or at
night? Should it be taken with food or without? You definitely want to take it
at the appointed time and make sure that you are following all of the
instructions given for a specific medication to prevent any issues.
· How
long will I take the medication? It is important to know if the medication is
to be taken daily, for two weeks, or indefinitely. You should always take medication according
to the instructions given by the doctor.
The pharmacist should be asked the same questions and be able
to inform you of when the medication expires.
Taking medication that has expired can have some serious effects as
well. The pharmacist can also explain to
you how to properly store the medication and dispose of any that is left after
the allotted time to take it. When you
fill a prescription your pharmacist should always provide a Consumer Medical
Information Sheet to answer any questions you may have once you have left the
pharmacy.
Remember the importance of being aware of side effects when
taking medications. Do not be afraid to ask your doctor and pharmacist
questions. It is their responsibility to answer any questions you have and to
provide information about any medications you are prescribed. It is also a good idea to research your
medication too. This is one time when asking questions about
your medication can prevent side effects and possibly save your life.
Until next time,
Blessed Tresses
