Health Before we had access to the internet, any concerns or warnings of an adverse reaction to a drug had to be given by the prescribing physician or pharmacist, along with the important information and potential adverse effects contained in the printed document accompanying any prescription for a new drug. Now, before we take a new medication or after we develop suspected side-effects from a drug, we can and should do our own research via the internet. If one is not computer literate, there is usually someone who can find reputable sites to get the information. Doctors and pharmacists are aware of the common side-effects of drugs or drug interactions, but cannot possibly be aware of all potential adverse side-effects. In this era of diminished services, reduced access to a family doctor and virtual care by physicians unfamiliar with patients and their prescribed medications, the chances of developing and having symptoms improperly diagnosed and managed are greater, and treating physicians may not be aware of all drugs that are being taken. My friend Bill and I often enjoy a luncheon together and, several months ago, he told me that he was experiencing bouts of palpitation in his chest. After review by his physician, he was referred to a cardiologist for consultation and investigation and was reassured that his heart was fine and that the irregular heartbeats found to be causing the palpitations were nothing to worry about. But he continued to worry. When I asked about any medications he was taking, he responded that he had been on both a cholesterol-lowering drug for years and a drug for mild high blood pressure that was prescribed six months ago. I advised him to consult his family doctor again, to report that he was still experiencing the unpleasant bouts of palpitation and ask if the blood pressure medication could be responsible. His doctor changed his medication and the symptoms quickly stopped. An uncommon side-effect of the drug was listed as “palpitations.” CSANews | WINTER 2022 | 45
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzMzNzMx