5 Ways to Reduce the Risks of Medication Side Effects

Medications are used to maintain your health and help you feel better. However, it is important for you to know that all medications – both prescription and over-the-counter medication – have potential risks as well. Unexpected or unwanted side effects (also known as adverse drug events) may happen to you when you use medications. The potential risks are as varied as the medications that you take.

What are side effects? What are the most common ones?
Medication side effects are unexpected or unwanted effects of a medication that can occur even though the medicine is being taken correctly at the recommended dose. Some of the most common medication side effects include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Dry Mouth
• Skin Rashes

Tips to Reduce Medication Side Effects
Side effects aren’t entirely avoidable, but you can take certain steps to prevent them. As a provider of pharmacy services in Lodi, New Jersey, here are some tips you can follow:

1. Talk to your healthcare provider.
   • First and foremost, if you are prescribed any medication, it is important for you to talk to your healthcare provider. Ask them how the medication works and what medication side effects you should avoid. You should also ask them what to do if you experience any side effects.
2. Read medication labels.
   • As much as possible, read the information on your medicine labels. This will help you know the side effects of your medicines. Reading the label will also help you identify any ingredients that you may be allergic to, therefore avoiding any allergic reactions.
3. Ask whether you can drink alcohol.
   • As a general rule, alcohol and medications should never be mixed. However, if you occasionally drink, make sure to ask your healthcare provider which medications you can drink with alcohol. Remember, combining certain medicines with alcohol can be dangerous.
4. Ask.
   • Ask your provider of medical supplies in New Jersey if there is any way to manage or prevent medication side effects. For instance, should you take certain medications with food? Should your medication only be taken at bedtime?
5. Call for help immediately.
   • If you experience any side effects, call for help immediately. Contact your healthcare provider to alert them about any side effects that you are experiencing. Your healthcare provider can work with you to either manage the side effects or find safer alternatives. For emergency cases, call 911.

If you have further inquiries on side effects of medications or if you’d like to know about our surgical supplies, feel free to visit EssexCare Pharmacy.