Written by: Gina

I was reading a Dr. Mercola article about the new flu vaccination for Fall 2010 where it was explained that the traditional annual flu vaccination will be combined with the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccination into one shot. This vaccination is going to be pushed hard which does not surprise me since so much money was lost by pharmaceutical companies over the last 2 years for the annual and Swine Flu shots separately. More people are becoming educated on the lies and obvious media support of these vaccinations. But one thing stood out that I think people should pay attention to. The most commonly reported side effects of the Swine Flu shot (although not shared by the media to the public) were Guillian-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and Bells Palsy. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/08/21/barbara-loe-fisher-on-flu-vaccine-changes.aspx

That got me to thinking about the top over-the-counter drugs that the people purchase and their side effects. In just reading about the top 5 medications sold across the US, I found the information shocking and I wonder if people actually read the back labels of their prescription bottles. I was once told to give my daughter steroids for Alopecia (which she never actually had incidentally) and when I read the back of the bottle, written in bold black letters was the caution: “Do not give to children under the age of 16; may cause Renal (Kidney) Failure, severe Immune problems and death. Good thing I read that label!

One of the most commonly used medications in the US are called statins. Statins are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, that is, they act by blocking the enzyme in your liver that is responsible for making cholestorol (HMG-CoA reductase). Commonly sold Statins available on the US market are Advicor, Altoprev, Caduet, Crestor, Lescol, Lipitor, Medvacor, Pravachol. Simcor, Vytorin and Zocor. Reported side effects include:

· Muscle problems, polyneuropathy (nerve damage in the hands and feet), and rhabdomyolysis (a serious degenerative muscle tissue condition)

· Anemia

· Acidosis

· Sexual dysfunction

· Immune depression

· Pancreas or liver dysfunction, including a potential increase in liver enzymes

· Cataracts

Muscle problems are the best known of statin drugs' adverse side effects, but cognitive problems and memory loss are also widely reported. A spectrum of other problems, ranging from blood glucose elevations to tendon problems, can also occur. There is evidence that taking statins may even increase your risk for Lou Gehrig's disease. http://www.soulwork.net/sw_articles_eng/medication.htm.

The most commonly sold over-the-counter drugs and their side effects (To note, most of these medications are deemed Pregnancy Category B by the FDA which means Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester):

Lipitor (used to treat high cholesterol- a statin)

· If you have the following conditions, you may need to adjust your Lipitor dose or have special tests: history of liver or kidney disease; diabetes; a thyroid disorder; or if you drink more than 2 alcoholic beverages daily. (What are these special tests and why would someone need them? I would be asking a lot of questions before using this!).

· In rare cases, Lipitor can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. This condition may be more likely to occur in older adults and in people who have kidney disease or poorly controlled hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use. Certain other drugs can increase your risk of serious muscle problems.

FDA pregnancy category X. Lipitor can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects.

Nexium (decreases the amount of acid in the stomach)

You should not take Nexium if you are allergic to esomeprazole or to any other benzimidazole medication such as albendazole (Albenza), or mebendazole (Vermox).

If you have severe liver disease you may need an Nexium dose adjustment or special tests.

Nexium is not for immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.

Taking a proton pump inhibitor such as Nexium may increase your risk of bone fracture in the hip, wrist, or spine. This effect has occurred mostly in people who have taken the medication long term or at high doses, and in those who are age 50 and older. It is not clear whether Nexium is the actual cause of an increased risk of fracture. Before you take this medication, tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone mineral density).

FDA pregnancy category B. Nexium is not expected to harm an unborn baby. (Not expected…?)

Plavix (prevents blood clotting)

Plavix keeps your blood from coagulating (clotting) to prevent unwanted blood clots that can occur with certain heart or blood vessel conditions. Because of this drug action, Plavix can make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have bleeding that will not stop.

You may also have bleeding on the inside of your body, such as in your stomach or intestines. Call your doctor at once if you have black or bloody stools, or if you cough up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. These could be signs of bleeding in your digestive tract.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of bleeding in your stomach or intestines.

If you need surgery or dental work, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you are using Plavix.

While you are taking Plavix, do not take aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) without your doctor's advice. NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests: a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, such as TTP (thrombocytopenic purpura) or hemophilia; a history of stroke, including TIA ("mini-stroke"); a stomach ulcer or ulcerative colitis; or kidney disease.

FDA pregnancy category B. Plavix is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby.

Advair (to prevent asthma attacks)

Some medical conditions may interact with Advair Diskus Powder. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

· if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

· if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

· if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) or tricyclic antidepressant (eg, amitriptyline), or if you have taken either of these medicines within the last 14 days

· if you have high blood acid levels (eg, ketoacidosis) or a history of diabetes, glaucoma, or increased pressure in the eye, heart problems (eg, fast or irregular heartbeat, heart blood vessel problems), high blood pressure, nervous system problems, liver problems, low blood potassium levels, seizures, thyroid problems, or an adrenal gland tumor

· if you are having a COPD flare-up, have recently been to an emergency room for asthma, have a history of frequent hospitalizations for asthma, or have ever had a life-threatening asthma attack

· if you have a fungal, bacterial, or parasitic infection; a viral infection (eg, measles, chickenpox, shingles); herpes virus infection of the eye; tuberculosis (TB); a history of a positive TB skin test; or immune system problems; or if you have had a recent vaccination

· if you have weak bones (osteoporosis) or have risk factors for osteoporosis (eg, a family history of osteoporosis, tobacco use, long-term use of corticosteroids or certain seizure medicines, limited physical exercise, poor nutrition)

Seroquel (antipsychotic medication)

Seroquel is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Seroquel may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions. Stop using Seroquel and call your doctor at once if you have the following symptoms: very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, uncontrolled muscle movements, feeling light-headed, blurred vision, eye pain, increased thirst and urination, excessive hunger, fruity breath odor, weakness, nausea and vomiting.

You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Seroquel: liver or kidney disease; heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems; a history of heart attack or stroke; a history of low white blood cell (WBC) counts; a thyroid disorder; seizures or epilepsy; cataracts; high cholesterol or triglycerides; a personal or family history of diabetes; or trouble swallowing.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Seroquel will harm an unborn baby. Do not give Seroquel to a child without a doctor's advice. Extended-release quetiapine (Seroquel XR) is for use only in adults and should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years old. http://www.drugs.com/top200.html

And even more information about medication side effects:

· Antihistamines (Benadryl, Chlorpheniramine, Hydroxyzine) are primarily used for allergies. The most common side effect is sedation ranging from mild drowsiness to severe depression. A dry mouth may also occur. In some pets, excitability, including muscle tremors, may be seen.

· Bronchodilators (Theophylline, Aminophylline) are used in certain respiratory conditions. Common side effects include mild excitement, insomnia, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, and increased urination.

· Clavamox (Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid) and Cephalexin are antibiotics used to treat many types of infections. Side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Giving the antibiotic with a meal may help reduce these signs. Rarely, hypersensitivity reactions occur causing rashes, fever, blood cell disorders, or anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction).

· Corticosteroids (Prednisone, Dexamethasone, Triamcinalone, Depo-medrol, Temaril-P) are potent anti-inflammatory drugs used in a variety of medical conditions, including controlling allergies. Steroids have many common side effects and should be used only as directed by a veterinarian. Side effects include increased thirst, increased urination (animals with weak bladder control may develop incontinence), weight gain, excessive panting, loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea. In high doses, steroids may cause immune suppression or gastric ulcers. Long term use of steroids, even at low doses, may cause adrenal gland disease, liver disease, and an increased risk of diabetes. Annual blood tests are recommended for long term use.

· Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is used in certain intestinal or systemic infections. Side effects include lethargy, decreased appetite, and vomiting. Neurological symptoms such as stumbling, falling or balance problems may occur, especially in high doses or with long term use.

· Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (Rimadyl, Etogesic, Deramaxx, Zubrin, Meloxicam) NSAIDs are commonly used in the treatment of pain and inflammation. The primary side effect is gastrointestinal upset or ulcers (vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dark tarry stools). Rarely, liver dysfunction/damage may occur. NSAIDs should not be used in cats except under veterinary supervision. Do not use NSAIDs with other anti- inflammatory drugs, including aspirin or aspirin containing products. Over the counter human medications should not be used except as directed by a veterinarian. A blood test checking liver enzymes should be done prior to long term use, and then annually. A follow-up blood test is recommended three weeks after starting on the medication.

· Phenobarbital is an anticonvulsant medication used primarily to treat seizures. Common side effects include sedation, ranging from drowsiness to depression, stumbling when walking, anxiety, increased thirst, appetite and urination. Side effects generally decrease after a few weeks as the pet's system adapts to the medication. If side effects seem severe, please let us know. Liver dysfunction/damage may occur and rarely, blood cell disorders may be seen. An annual drug level and blood test is needed 10-12 hours post pill.

· Sulfa-Trimethoprim (Tribrissen) is an antibiotic. Side effects include decreased tear production (dry eye), allergic reactions (facial swelling, hives), joint swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, increased thirst and increased urination. Rarely, liver dysfunction or red blood cell disorders may occur.

· Thyroxine (Soloxine) is a thyroid hormone used in treating hypothyroidism. Side effects include increased heart rate, increased appetite, increased thirst and urination, excitability and excessive panting. An adjustment in dose may be needed to eliminate these side effects. An annual T4 blood level is needed 4-6 hours post pill. commondrugsideeffects.doc REV: 12/29/03 http://roadrunnerah.com/docs/drug_side_effects.pdf

According to medications.com, there have been over 1,130 to 4,799 complaints from people about side effects from medications such as Yasmin, Mirena, Singulair, Levaquin, Lisinoprol, Nuvaring, Prednisone, Lipitor, and Advair HFA. So I guess the gist of what I am saying is read the labels and question the medications being prescribed to you and your family. Are the side effects more dangerous than the problem you are having? For instance, would you rather have an upset stomach or hip fracture?

My opinion about medications is similar to how I feel about vaccinations. At one time, they were for the greater good and were created to prevent or stop major illnesses and outbreaks. Now they are forced upon us to cover pharmaceutical and doctor payroll’s. As always, it pays to be informed!

In health… Gina