The Dangers Of Prescription and Over-The-Counter Medications

Aspirin Alternatives: The Top Natural Pain-Relieving Analgesics, June, 1999

We have become numb and accepting to the potential serious side effects of these medications in part because they are so grossly over-promoted. Our perceptions and beliefs that these medications are "safe" are based more on aggressive advertising than on the established facts.

Even worse, new advertising laws have allowed the pharmaceutical companies even more aggressive approaches to advertising; using celebrity stars to promote their wares. Along with this, they are also required to list some of the side effects. Interestingly, the terminology used are statements like: "a low incidence of side effects have occurred including..." The perception is that these medication's side effects are "normal and safe." When did it become normal to have any side effects? How can any negative reaction in our bodies be considered safe? Regardless of possible short term benefits, any negative side effects must be seriously considered prior to usage. This is especially true of pain medications which are so overused in this country.

So, how aggressively do we attack our various aches and pains?" In the United States, we consume over 19 billion aspirin tablets each year -- over 15 tons each day! Yearly sales for Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen are well over $2 billion. However, there is a price to pay for our pain relief and it comes in the form of damage to our bodies.

Are these "side effects" of real concern? Absolutely! There are both potential and well-established, dangerous reactions to pain medications. These side effects may be mild or severe. Liver damage, blood cell destruction, drowsiness, insomnia, neuropathy, dependence and addictions are just a few of the side effects of pain medications.

The following are some of the known side effects of a few of the common over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers.

Included in this group of pain relievers are non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS). NSAIDS are a general term used for a group of drugs that are effective in reducing inflammation and pain. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen and naproxen sodium. NSAIDS are generally quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Pain and fever relief can occur Within one hour of taking the first dose and can last four to six hours. This group makes up the majority of over-the-counter pain medications.

Side Effects of Common Over-The-Counter Medications:

From: The Pill Book Guide To Over-The-Counter Medications; Editor-in-chief Robert P. Rapp; Pharm. D.

These side effects are "possible;" meaning they can and do occur, but not with every person. Side effects are more likely with over-usage and abuse of these medications. You will note some basic commonalties between the different medications listed.

Acetaminophen: (Tylenol)

Most common: Lightheadedness.

Less common: Trembling and pain in lower back or side.

Rare: Extreme fatigue, rash, itching, or hives, sore throat or fever, unexplained bleeding or bruising, anemia, yellowing of the skin or eyes, blood in urine, painful or frequent urination and decreased output of urine volume. In doses of more than 4 grams per day (4000 mg), acetaminophen is potentially toxic to the liver. Use acetaminophen with caution if you have kidney or liver disease or viral infections of the liver.