Every medication you encounter, whether it's bought over the counter or prescribed by a doctor, comes with a list of side effects. To some, the possibility of feeling worse from taking a medicine, which is supposed to make them feel better, can be a cause for concern.
What are side effects?
Side effects, also called adverse events, are ailments which occur when taking a drug. In most cases, the benefits of the medicine greatly outweigh the possible side effects.
The list of side effects can sometimes be lengthy and daunting, ranging from a minor headache to a life-altering condition. It's important to understand that side effects are not guaranteed, and you may or may not experience them.
Europe settled on a selection of phrases which separate various side effects according to how common they are experienced. The side effects are split into five groups:
- Very common (affects more than 10% of patients)
- Common (affects between 1-10% of patients)
- Uncommon (affects between 0.1-1% of patients)
- Rare (affects between 0.01-0.1% of patients)
- Very rare (affects less than 0.01% of patients)
This scale was approved in 1999 to clarify the information and make it less ambiguous.
If you are concerned about any side effects listed on your medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist. In many cases, the side effects are mild and manageable.
What can I do if I experience side effects?
Very common and mild side effects often disappear on their own. These side effects can include headaches, nausea, or tiredness. If you are concerned about any side effects, consult a doctor or pharmacist for advice.
If you experience any serious side effects, you should report them to your doctor immediately. In certain circumstances, your doctor may need to change your dosage or the medication you are taking. You should not change the dose or discontinue the treatment without consulting your doctor.
You can also report your side effects to the Yellow Card Scheme. By reporting your side effects to the Yellow Card Scheme, you can contribute to research into the safety of medication.
Everyone responds differently to medicine, and some people may experience an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Inflammation of the face, lips, tongue and throat
- Severe rash
If you experience an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Can I treat my side effects?
It is possible to treat side effects; however, this may involve taking additional medication, which can increase the risk of interactions between the two treatments. While the patient information leaflet, enclosed with your medicine, may indicate whether it's safe to take the medicine with other medications, it's better to err on the side of caution and contact your doctor or a pharmacist before treating a side effect with further medication to avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions.
Sometimes, a side effect can be mitigated with a minor and temporary adjustment to your lifestyle, such as avoiding specific foods and beverages during treatment. These changes may or may not be mentioned in the patient information leaflet. But they are often the best way to combat side effects without risking the efficacy of the medicine you are taking.
For more information on making lifestyle changes during treatment, consult your doctor.
Common side effects and how to treat them
Headache
Headaches are a common side effect of many different medications. In most cases, these side effects subside as your body becomes accustomed to the medicine.
It may be suitable to take over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol, to treat the headache. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure it is suitable for you to do so.
Dizziness
Some medications can cause dizziness. If you feel dizzy after taking your medicine, it is strongly advised to avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel well again.
Try lying down until the dizzy spell disappears. When you get up from a sitting or lying position, move slowly to avoid worsening your dizziness.
Make sure you drink plenty of water and avoid coffee and alcohol, which can exacerbate this symptom.
If your dizziness lasts for a prolonged period or worsens, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Nausea
Nausea is a feeling of sickness and can make you feel very uncomfortable. If the medicine can be taken with food, consider taking future doses after a small meal.
Changing your eating habits can help alleviate stomachaches. Avoid food rich in saturated fats, refined sugars or spices. You can also try eating smaller meals or breaking your meals up into lighter snacks throughout the day. Bland foods, such as wholemeal toast, crackers, and those high in fibre, may also help.
Peppermint tea is a popular natural remedy for an upset stomach.
Dry mouth
Dry mouth is very common and can often be easily treated without medication.
To treat dry mouth, increase your water intake by drinking regularly throughout the day.
You can also try chewing sugar-free gum or sweets to promote salivation.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can cause you to feel dehydrated.
You should also avoid grapefruit juice to quench your thirst. Grapefruit juice is notorious for interacting with certain medications, such as statins, and causing undesired and sometimes dangerous effects.
Tiredness
Tiredness is another side effect that may subside as your body adjusts to the medicine.
If you feel tired after taking your medicine, especially if it affects your daytime, speak to your doctor to check if it's possible to take your medicine near bedtime. This will prevent the side effects from affecting you during the daytime.
If you feel drowsy, avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel alert again.
Sensitivity to sunlight
Some medicines can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, which increases your risk of sunburn or blisters.
To prevent this risk, try to avoid the sun whenever possible. If you cannot evade the sun, consider wearing long trousers and long-sleeved shirts. Your doctor may suggest applying sunscreen before going out.
What else can you do?
You can discuss alternative medicines and formulations with your doctor. Your doctor may be able to suggest a syrup or effervescent instead of an oral tablet, or an entirely different medicine altogether. A lower dose may also be prescribed if it is believed to reduce your chances of side effects while remaining effective in treating your condition.
If a side effect is causing you significant discomfort, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
