Taking Medicines the Wrong Way Can Be Risky: Know the Signs of Drug Reactions

Not every medicine suits every person, and some drugs can cause adverse reactions depending on an individual’s health condition, previous drug history and other factors. Doctors generally ask patients about medicines they have taken in the past and whether they experienced any problems before prescribing new drugs. Signs of a possible drug reaction include skin rashes, itching, unusual marks, breathing difficulty, facial swelling and swelling of the legs. Anyone experiencing such symptoms should stop and seek medical advice promptly rather than self-medicating. Patients should also carry their prescription and details of the medicines they have taken when consulting a doctor. Antibiotics and painkillers, in particular, should not be overused, as inappropriate or excessive use can cause serious complications, including kidney or liver problems.

The way medicines are taken can also matter. Doctors generally recommend taking medicines with plain water unless the prescribing doctor or medicine instructions specify otherwise. Taking certain medicines with milk, coffee, buttermilk or fruit juices may affect how the drug works or increase the risk of side effects. Some people may be more vulnerable to adverse reactions, including those with weakened immunity, certain chronic illnesses, pregnant or breastfeeding women with anaemia, underweight children and people undergoing treatment for conditions such as cancer, HIV or tuberculosis. Reactions can also occur following blood transfusions or vaccinations and are monitored under specific safety systems. Suspected adverse drug reactions can be reported by patients or healthcare professionals through designated pharmacovigilance centres, including those at government teaching hospitals. Doctors also stress that medicines should be taken only for the prescribed duration and dosage. Antibiotics should be used strictly under medical supervision, while supplements and multivitamins should also be taken responsibly.