Are all over the counter medications safe ? Many people assume that because a medicine is available over the counter or a doctor prescribed it, it must be safe.
A simple one is pepcid, prisloec omeprazole and nexium - These are safe but these medications block the absorption of B12— a necessary supplement.
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever that people commonly use to treat headaches, muscle aches, and arthritis. You can also find it in many over-the-counter cold and flu medications. While acetaminophen is generally safe when taken as directed, it can be potentially deadly if not used correctly. One of the biggest dangers of acetaminophen is that it can cause liver damage when you take too much of it.
Opioid painkillers are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. They are used to treat a variety of conditions, from chronic pain to post-operative pain. However, opioids can also be highly addictive and carry a risk of overdose and death. In fact, according to the CDC, opioids were responsible for more than 17,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2017. We are in opioid epidemic. There is even a Netflix movie called Pain Killers that describes this epidemic .
As a cardiologist I prescribe statins in some cases. Statins are a class of drugs doctors will prescribe to help lower cholesterol levels. Though they are generally safe, there have been some reports of serious side effects, including muscle pain, Memory loss, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. In rare cases, statins can also cause liver damage and kidney failure. Recently, there has been growing evidence that statins may also increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Statins also decrease libido ( sex drive) as they block the formation of cholesterol this blocking the formation of testosterone and other vital hormones.
Also check with your doctor about medication side effects. Also have one doctor look at your list, since other doctors may have prescribed some. There is also serious interactions between medications you must be aware of.