How often do you personally review your list of current medications? Do you know why you’re taking each pill, when you started, the purpose and what to expect from it? Have you ever taken a drug for so long you can’t remember why you’re taking it?
Being a “professional patient,” I’ve gone through stages when the volume of pills I take each day is the equivalent of a fourth meal! Routinely, I review my medications to see if they’re still necessary or serving the intended purpose. (See blog: Your List of Meds).
I also rate physicians based on their prescribing habits. Some doctors prescribe more than they un-prescribe, while others write a new prescription for every symptom, even when it’s not necessary. Physicians will change drug dosages and sometimes upgrade to improved treatments, but they do not always advise a patient to stop taking a pill, especially long-term medications.
As I’ve stated in numerous blogs, I owe it to myself and loved ones to be proactive in my health care. Since chronic illnesses never go away, I have a responsibility to ask questions, become educated and be involved (or at the very least, take a partner who’s knowledgeable to every appointment – a patient advocate is invaluable).
Three years after my diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, I learned a hard lesson about toxic drugs and the serious effects they impose on a patient’s life (I’ll share the details in another blog). The experience opened my eyes to drug toxicity levels, adding another awareness to the list.
Drug toxicity is a common health problem that often goes undetected. Below are stories and examples I’ve learned during my experiences as a professional patient. Discuss them with your health care providers to avoid toxic build up or increased toxicity levels that could become life threatening.
• Weight loss of 15 pounds can change your body’s ability to metabolize drugs. Over time, the lower weight allows the higher dosage to build up causing unusual symptoms. When dosages are calculated based on a person’s weight, gains and losses should always be reviewed.
• In addition to the elderly being at high risk, people entering their fourth decade of life should also be aware. Most drugs are eliminated through the liver or kidneys. Typically around age 40, we start to loose muscle mass and accumulate fat, putting us at risk for age-related loss of function. This is especially important for those diagnosed with diseases as children and young adults.
• Do not simply say, “I don’t feel well.”. Be specific about your symptoms. General complaints often lead to the common diagnosis of viral illness, when the cause could be your medications.
• Combining medications can increase your chance of toxic build up. The more medications you take, the higher your risk.
• Having multiple doctors, each prescribing medication, is one of the most common reasons for toxic reactions. In some cases, they prescribe the same drug with a different name, doubling the dosage. Before accepting a new prescription, ask your physician AND pharmacist to review your current list of medications.
• Beware of over-the-counter drugs! Anti-inflammatory, ibuprofen and vitamins can cause dangerous toxic levels. Ask a pharmacist for advice.
Be proactive in your care! And always consult your doctor and pharmacist before stopping or starting a medication. When new symptoms arise be up front and ask your doctor if drug toxicity is possible.
I'm not familiar with collagen type II. Sorry!
Does anyone have insight?
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