Although you can get over-the-counter preparations from your physician, they can still cause negative effects and/or interact with other over-the-counter or prescription-only medicines. Be aware of this fact when you are tempted to take any over-the-counter medicines using their company people. Your pharmacist can advise you on any likely problems whenever you purchase the medication.
If you are afflicted by certain health problems, you may need to avoid particular medications altogether, or at least take them with caution. Such circumstances are known as contraindications. In many instances, your doctor and pharmacist check whether any drugs may be 'contraindicated' for you before you receive a particular prescription or drug.
However, if you forget to mention such circumstances, if you have forgotten about them or if you create a new medical problem while you're already taking medication, starting contraindicated drugs may cause potentially serious - and often fatal - health problems. Consider contraindications if you develop symptoms after taking a drug and also you can't think the reason why you suddenly feel unwell. Two main types of contraindication exist:
Absolute contraindication: Taking two drugs together, or taking a new drug while you are afflicted by a particular health, which results in a potentially life-threatening situation for you is called a complete contraindication. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise.
Relative contraindication: Taking two particular drugs together, or at the same time as suffering from a certain health condition, and having detrimental unwanted effects on you - though much less serious or lifethreatening - consequently is called a relative contraindication. The benefits of taking the new drug may outweigh the chance of developing problems. Again, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Here are some examples of contraindications - but don't forget that many more exist:
Asthma: If you are afflicted by asthma, taking aspirin-type medicines such as ibuprofen or diclofenac or beta-blockers, can potentially make your breathing worse.
Bacterial skin infections: If you suffer from an untreated bacterial, fungal or viral skin infection, stay away from topical steroids.
Combined oral contraceptive pill: Even though combined oral contraceptive pill is often prescribed and perfectly safe for many women, you must not take it when, for instance, you're pregnant, you suffer from severe migraines, you have had a thrombosis or stroke, or you have certain liver problems. For this reason, be sure to mention any health issues to the medical professional prescribing the pill - particularly if you have a new health condition you haven't mentioned before.
Pregnancy: Many drugs are contraindicated in pregnancy or during breastfeeding.
If you suddenly develop a new symptom such as a rash, itching or difficulty breathing after going for a new medicine, or else you become otherwise unwell, you may be suffering from an allergic reaction to the medication. You can have an allergy to certain medicines just like some people are allergic to particular foods or insect bites. For example, allergies to antibiotics for example penicillin are not unheard of.
If you know or suspect that you are afflicted by an allergy, make sure that your doctor's surgery and folks close to you know of the condition. In addition, at home keep a way to obtain drugs called antihistamines, which could help relieve the symptoms of minor allergic reactions. Your pharmacist or doctor can advise you.
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