When chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes occur, everyone is very resistant to long-term medication, believing that the side effects of drugs are harmful to the body. The ancients said [drugs are divided into three parts of toxicity], which means that the side effects of drugs are difficult to completely avoid.
For patients with chronic diseases who need long-term medication, should how treat the side effects of drugs and how treat them?
Are there any non-toxic and non-side effects drugs?
Strictly speaking, all drugs, including chemical drugs, traditional Chinese medicines and proprietary Chinese medicines, have side effects, but not everyone will show them every time they are used.
It is irresponsible to publicize that certain drugs have no side effects.
Is there any difference in the size of drug side effects?
From the perspective of simple visual impression, there are drugs with large side effects and drugs with small side effects. For example, glucocorticoid and lactobacillus tablets are put together, and glucocorticoid is undoubtedly the one with larger side effects.
However, when taking drugs, drugs cannot be selected solely according to the size of side effects. Glucocorticoids can control many more serious diseases, which lactobacillus tablets cannot do.
When choosing drugs for the treatment of diseases, doctors will consider comprehensively and follow the principle of “benefits outweigh risks”.
Drugs have side effects, that is to say, they are all risky. When the risk of diseases is greater than the risk of drugs, it is worthwhile to use drugs.
Therefore, the side effects of glucocorticoid are not small, but in the case of some diseases, if hormones are not used, the diseases are more harmful to patients. At this time, the side effects of glucocorticoid are not the main consideration, but the treatment and control of diseases should be the main consideration.
If the treatment of the same disease has similar drug effects, we should of course prefer drugs with less side effects.
However, they are afraid to take drugs for fear of side effects, which is due to choking.
Can the side effects of drugs be alleviated?
Yes.
In fact, from the stage of drug design, research and development, scientists have done a lot of work to reduce the side effects of drugs. For example, in order to reduce the stimulation of drugs to gastric mucosa, drugs are designed into enteric-coated tablets. For example, in order to cover up the bad smell of drugs, they are made into capsules. For example, in order to take the medicine more conveniently and reduce the fluctuation of drug concentration, the drug is designed into controlled release tablets, sustained release tablets, etc.
When we take drugs, we should pay more attention to the side effects of drugs. Before taking drugs, we should carefully read the [Adverse Reactions] column of the drug instructions. If the instructions of a drug say that this drug may cause hypokalemia, the blood potassium level should be monitored regularly during the process of taking drugs.
In the instructions of a drug, The adverse reactions are written as [unclear], which does not mean that this drug has no side effects. In fact, the State Food and Drug Administration has been monitoring the adverse reactions of these drugs. In recent years, this part of the drug instructions has been gradually standardized and the monitored adverse reactions have been added. In the future, there will be fewer and fewer drugs with unclear [adverse reactions].
In addition, taking the medicine strictly according to the doctor’s advice can also help us reduce the side effects of the medicine, such as the glucocorticoid mentioned earlier. If the doctor tells us to take the medicine once a day in the morning, we will follow the doctor’s advice, thus minimizing the impact on the secretion function of normal hormones in the body.
How do you know if discomfort is a side effect of drugs?
Many patients who take drugs for a long time are easy to associate all kinds of discomfort symptoms on their bodies with side effects of drugs, either stopping drugs easily or ignoring these discomfort.
Both kinds of cognition are biased. We should understand the side effects of drugs, control them and coexist with them, instead of resisting them, denying them and fearing them.
The side effects of some drugs can be avoided, such as ACEI antihypertensive drugs (commonly called XXX Puli). Some patients will have dry cough after taking them. If they cannot tolerate them, they can ask the doctor if they can switch to ARB antihypertensive drugs (commonly called XXX Sartan). Many people have obviously relieved the side effects after dressing change.
Some side effects of drugs can be reduced by means. For example, glucocorticoid can increase the secretion of gastric acid and pepsin, resulting in an increased risk of peptic ulcer. Doctors will give some drugs that inhibit gastric acid secretion to people who use hormones in large doses and for a long time to reduce the risk of peptic ulcer.
Once the side effects of some drugs occur, they should be stopped and changed immediately.
Sometimes, it is difficult to distinguish the side effects of drugs from the physical discomfort caused by diseases. For example, the side effects of some antihypertensive drugs include dizziness. However, when our blood pressure is high, we may also feel dizzy, or when our blood pressure is low, so dizziness occurs during oral administration of antihypertensive drugs. What kind of dizziness is it? At this time, we should find a sphygmomanometer to measure it.
Of course, the identification of some side effects cannot be completed by ourselves at home. It may require professional equipment (such as blood tests) or professional judgment, so regular follow-up is also very important.
Although some discomfort is not serious, it is not the case in fact. For example, after taking some drugs, there is [fatigue]. Many people think that since they are sick and take drugs, it is normal to have fatigue. However, in fact, this fatigue may be caused by hypokalemia. If they do not understand the reason and do not take measures, it may also lead to serious consequences for a long time.
Long-term medication, how to reduce the side effects of drugs?
Drugs for the treatment and control of chronic diseases are generally prescription drugs and should be used under the guidance of doctors. They should not be self-diagnosed and autonomous, and should not purchase drugs at will.
Avoid using illegal drugs with improper channels, let alone replacing drugs with food or health care products.
After the doctor prescribes the drug, he should know in detail the medication method and the main side effects, and understand clearly that these side effects should be monitored how during medication.
If you feel unwell during the use of drugs, you should see a doctor in time.
In general, we should correctly understand the side effects of its drugs and try our best to reduce its effects. Don’t delay the treatment of diseases because of fear of side effects.
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