Side Effects of Drugs and Medications and Natural Remedies

Everywhere you turn you hear America is a pill popping nation. Is this a catch phrase or is it true? Peter Ubel states in his blog that all the medical community has to do is give a condition a Latin name and people will rush out to buy medication for it. He questions if all these drugs and medication is necessary. He uses the example of sarcopenia. He says he could explain sarcopenia as a mysterious disease that causes the muscles to shrink away and of course people would want medication for it. However, sarcopenia is the normal muscle loss that comes with aging. The medical and ethical question thus becomes should we as a society be taking drugs and medication for this condition? Dr. Ubel finds that exercising can help tone the muscles and prefers this approach to medication.

Have we become so lazy that we want a magic pill to take away all our aches and pains without doing anything non-chemical to ameliorate our situation? Drugs and medication of course are necessary in many circumstances. These various drugs can save our lives and or ease our discomfort. However, many of these medications also have serious side effects and a good doctor will weigh the benefits against the side effects before prescribing the drugs.

The pharmaceutical companies make billions of dollars a year pushing out their drugs. New drugs just coming on the market are still being tested within the general population and the various side effects are still unknown. When major side effects are reported the drug is taken off the market. However, some people may have already lost their lives due to trying a new medication. The Federal Drug Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists foods and drugs which have been recalled as they may be dangerous for human consumption. The FDA also provides an email alert for anyone who wishes to sign up.

Other times drugs are not recalled, but they still have side effects. For example, Alfa glucosidase inhibitors used to treat diabetes can cause gas, nausea, and vomiting, but more importantly they may also damage the liver. These drugs are sold as Metformin and Avandia.

Many people are now turning towards natural remedies for some of the diseases and conditions normally treated with drugs. Although many of these herbal remedies may be helpful, others will cause adverse reactions when taken with prescription drugs. According to American Family Physician, "Ginkgo biloba extract, advertised as improving cognitive functioning, has been reported to cause spontaneous bleeding, and it may interact with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents." This is just one of the many dangers of combining medication with herbal remedies.

Before taking any medication, consult with your doctor. Ask if the medication is necessary, and if there is any alternative such as a diet and exercise regime which will render the same results. Do not try herbal remedies before consulting with your physician and your pharmacologist. Play it safe take charge of your own health instead automatically popping the pills.

Sources:

Psychology Today

All about beating diabetes website

Diabetes Self Management