Reading the leaflets with medication

DH was taking Tramadol while on holiday to help cope with neck and shoulder pain. He started to lose his appetite which was very unusual, especially as the food on the cruise was amazing. DH did read the leaflet and it was one of the side effects. He stopped taking the tramadol but it has taken a while for his appetite to return. Must be the only time someone has lost weight on a cruise.

I'm the same Mollygo read for new meds not repeats. I promptly forget all reported side effects so sometimes have to read the leaflet in the new pack if I've experienced some symptoms I can't explain. I have had a reported side effect happen after a couple of years with no problems with a medication. Luckily there's usually an alternative that can be tried.

For new medication I do, but repeat meds I don’t bother.
The ones that puzzles me are those that say do not take for more than 20 days, yet your doc continues to prescribe it and can’t say that taking it long term won’t do you any harm.

crazyH

Marydoll - I was referencing my own paranoia ….. not yours or anyone else’s. Everyone knows me as a ‘worrier’ who always imagines the worst case scenario.

Think of the possible consequences, if you don't read.

Some of the medications I take have awful side effects and recently I had to stop biologics, because I realised that they were probably the reason I felt so unwell, Consequently, I phoned the hospital for advice and was told to stop them immediately. I suspected that this was the reason, because I had read the information on the leaflet, that this was a rare side effect.

I am not being smug, just being careful. I would like to live a wee bit longer. 😉
You cannot predict what your reaction--if any-- will be. Forewarned is forearmed.

I once ended up in Coronary Care, after taking a single dose of a new rheumatoid drug. I had no previous history of a heart condition.
I don't think silent heart attack was actually on the list of reported side effects. 😉
My experience had to be reported to the Yellow Card site and manufacturer of the medication, along with all my medical notes.

Information leaflets are there for a reason and updated regularly. I am surprised at how blasé some posters are.

My husband and I came to an arrangement many years ago. We read the information for each others medication. If one of us is taking anything new we keep an eye on each other but at least it stops us imagining we've got all the possible side effects.

Yes I read them. The updated information can be vital.

A quick glance at the side-effects, which are usually indistinguishable from those of daily life.

No, they list so many side effects it would put me off taking them.

Marydoll - I was referencing my own paranoia ….. not yours or anyone else’s. Everyone knows me as a ‘worrier’ who always imagines the worst case scenario.

Sometimes

crazyH

I don’t read any of the leaflets…..I don’t need any more paranoia 😂

Its nothing to do with paranoia.

I read them all, because of possible contraindications with my other medications.
By doing so, I discovered that the antibiotics in my COPD rescue pack, should never be taken in conjunction with my new heart medication and would have resulted in serious consequences, if I had not bothered reading the leaflet.

It is irresponsible not to read them, doctors are not perfect and can miss this.

I don’t read any of the leaflets…..I don’t need any more paranoia 😂

Lovemylife

Mr L always reads the leaflet several times and then will be sure to have every possible side effect. Which then has to be discussed, several times, at length. Often followed by an essay to the GP 🤦🏼‍♀️

Sounds like Mr CJ!

I don't, but have occasionally Googled information.

I always do.

For a new medication I do definitely read the instructions. I have to have various medications so need to be sure firstly that there are no contra indications . for example an unusual thing I found that I should not eat much grapefruit. This was something I would not have thought about.

Once I have read the details, if there are any queries I would check it out with the chemist, but so far have been ok. Then I would make a note of anything that might be a likely possibility but not let it bother me. Once I am using the medication and all ok, dont read it all again.

We all should, they are for information and we should take a bit of responsibility too.

Mr L always reads the leaflet several times and then will be sure to have every possible side effect. Which then has to be discussed, several times, at length. Often followed by an essay to the GP 🤦🏼‍♀️

I tend to read to check the medication is right for me and no interaction with any other medication I am taking. I also question my GP/practice nurse or Consultant if it is something new to double check. I think that come from working in the medical profession for many years!! Just checking ….

I am guilty of not normally reading the accompanying pamphlets.

If I feel off and have a suspicion it could be the medication then I tend to read it.

I do question my GP/Practice nurse if I am prescribed something for the first time.

I do read the leaflets, just to find out what other problems the drugs may cause!