Because of the pain of arthritis, Aunt Wang has to take some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) every day to relieve it. Day after day, year after year, although the joints were no longer as painful, she began to notice that her appetite had deteriorated, and the number of stomach pains gradually increased.
The doctor told her that long-term use of these drugs could cause damage to the stomach lining and cause gastritis. Aunt Wang suddenly realized that long-term medication is not harmless.
Aunt Wang is not an isolated case. In real life, there are many people who lack sufficient understanding of the side effects of drugs. In particular, many people do not understand the potential risks of some common drugs because they are easy to buy and use frequently.
Experts remind that the following 4 types of drugs, if taken for a long time, may bring hidden dangers to the body that cannot be underestimated.
1. Hidden dangers of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are commonly used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Such drugs include the well-known ibuprofen, aspirin, etc. While they are quick and effective in reducing symptoms, long-term use is not a joke.
First of all, a significant side effect of NSAIDs is digestive problems, long-term use can damage the gastric mucosa, which may lead to serious problems such as gastric ulcers and gastric bleeding.
And don't underestimate this stomach bleeding, if it happens, it may require emergency medical intervention, and in severe cases, it can be life-threatening. In addition, these drugs may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. You see, if you take a painkiller, it will block your heart.
In addition, the kidneys are also "targets" of NSAIDs. Long-term use may lead to decreased kidney function and even kidney failure.
At that time, the pain is painful, but the treatment is even more time-consuming, laborious, and costly. Therefore, people must follow the doctor's instructions when taking medicine, and do not take it for a long time at will.
2. Abuse and resistance of antibiotics
When it comes to antibiotics, it's a double-edged sword. They're great in treating bacterial infections, but when used incorrectly, the consequences are no joke.
Nowadays, some people self-administer antibiotics when they have a cold or cough, as if this is a panacea. This approach is simply a reversal of health.
The most terrible consequence of the misuse of antibiotics is that bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. This means that bacteria that could have been destroyed by antibiotics are now stronger and no longer susceptible to antibiotics. At that time, some diseases that were originally easy to treat may become difficult to control, and the cost and difficulty of treatment will be greatly increased.
In addition, antibiotics can also affect the normal microflora of the body, which can lead to an imbalance in the intestinal flora, such as diarrhea, fungal infections, etc. You see, isn't this "doing bad things with good intentions"?
Therefore, unless the doctor clearly prescribes it, do not use antibiotics indiscriminately, so as not to "add oil and vinegar" and harm others and yourself.
3. Risk of dependence on sedatives and sleeping pills
Sedatives and sleeping pills, such as benzodiazepines (including diazepam and Xanax) and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (such as Ambien), are commonly used to treat anxiety and short-term insomnia.
Although these drugs are effective in relieving symptoms initially, long-term use can trigger dependence and tolerability, which means that patients need to gradually increase the dose to achieve the same effect.
Drug dependence can lead not only to physical drug resistance, but also to psychological dependence, making it impossible for patients to maintain a normal life without drugs.
In addition, long-term use of sedatives and sleeping pills can also affect the brain's neurotransmitter balance, especially on the GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) system, which is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
A dysregulated nervous system can not only exacerbate sleep problems, but can also lead to mood swings, memory loss, and impaired cognitive function.
Individuals who have been dependent on this class of medications for a long time may experience severe withdrawal symptoms when they discontinue the medication, including, but not limited to, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, paresthesias, palpitations, and nausea.
In clinical practice, a gradual reduction of the dose of the drug rather than abrupt discontinuation is recommended to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Doctors usually recommend short-term use of these drugs and monitor the patient's response during the medication to prevent the development of dependence.
4. Side effects of hormonal drugs
Hormonal drugs, including corticosteroids and sex hormones, play an important role in the treatment of a variety of conditions. However, the side effects of this class of drugs should not be ignored.
For example, corticosteroids such as prednisone are commonly used for anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive purposes, but long-term use can lead to problems such as thinning of the skin, osteoporosis, increased blood sugar, weight gain, high blood pressure, and susceptibility to infections.
Sex hormone therapy, such as estrogen or testosterone replacement therapy, may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, blood clots, and certain types of cancer, while effective in relieving menopausal symptoms and sex hormone deficiencies.
Doctors weigh the pros and cons of hormonal medications when prescribing them, while adjusting the dosage and treatment regimen according to the patient's specific situation. Regular blood tests and physical examinations are necessary during the treatment process to help detect and manage possible side effects of hormone therapy early. Especially in patients who are undergoing long-term hormone therapy, it is more necessary to do it under the guidance of a medical professional.
Fifth, the importance of rational drug use
In the modern healthcare system, medication is one of the key means of restoring health. However, the efficacy and risk of drugs coexist, and the importance of rational drug use cannot be ignored.
There are many factors that doctors consider when prescribing medications, including the choice of medication, dosage, timing of administration, and interactions with other medications.
Patients need to follow the doctor's instructions when taking the medication, and do not adjust the dose or stop the medication at will. Improper medication can lead to exacerbations, side effects, and even fatal risks.
Educating the public about drugs and enhancing their awareness of medication safety is a necessary step to improve the overall level of medical care. Medical institutions should provide detailed drug descriptions and professional counseling to help patients understand their disease status and the mechanism of action of the drug.
In addition, the government and medical regulators need to strengthen the supervision of the circulation and use of drugs to ensure the quality and safety of drugs, and prevent the flow of expired, counterfeit and substandard drugs into the market.
6. Suggestions for rational use of drugs
In order to better guide the public on safe and effective drug treatment, the following recommendations should not be ignored. First of all, patients should use their medications exactly as prescribed by their doctor and should not buy over-the-counter drugs for treatment on their own.
During the course of medication, if you encounter any discomfort, you should communicate with your doctor in time, instead of stopping or changing the drug by yourself. Second, doctors and pharmacists should strengthen the education and guidance of patients, and clearly inform the correct use of drugs, possible side effects, and precautions.
Further, medical institutions can use information technology, such as electronic prescription systems, to reduce human error and improve prescription efficiency.
At the same time, public health departments can carry out regular drug education activities to popularize drug knowledge and correct drug use attitudes. Through these comprehensive measures, the drug safety of patients can be effectively improved, thereby promoting the health of the whole society.
summary
Healthcare is the cornerstone of social development, and rational use of medicines is the key to ensuring the quality of medical care and patient safety. Only by bringing together the forces of healthcare, education and regulation can we build a comprehensive drug safety net.
We must recognize that the medication safety of every patient is not only related to personal health, but also directly affects family happiness and social stability.