What are the bad effects of heart drugs?

What about adverse effects of drugs? 

This is a time when some great drugs are available, but this is also a time for caution. You should never forget that drugs that are effective are, and have to be, extremely powerful often they save lives but that they sometimes have undesirable effects, known as adverse drug reactions (ADR) or side effects. When it comes to drugs for heart disease, you need to be very candid with your physician. Make her or him aware that you know the two sides of drug action. Discuss the adverse effects of any drug prescribed.

If you are on medication and notice any of the adverse effects described in this chapter or that you have been told to watch for by a health professional, contact your physician as soon as possible. Some adverse effects can occur soon after you have started on your new medication perhaps an upset stomach or signs of your liver undergoing some minor damage. Your physician can uncover possible liver problems by doing a simple blood test. Other more insidious, but fortunately rarer, side effects are long term. Examples include an increased risk for some cancers.

What about other drugs I am taking? 

Many people take more than one prescription drug and often some nonprescription, over the counter (OTC) medications and perhaps herbal remedies as well. Keep a list of all the medications you are taking and their doses. Bring this list with you to all doctor visits. Be sure to tell your physician of any other drugs, including vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements, and herbs, that you take regularly or that you feel you need to take occasionally. Many drugs interact with each other, and this can lead to adverse effects or some loss of the efficacy of your medication. Entire books have been published on drug interactions. If you go to different specialists for various problems, make all of them aware of the other medications you are taking. The problem of conflicting prescriptions in the complex world of modem managed care is a significant one, and your physician cannot help you unless you keep her or him informed.

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