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What to do about side effectsWhat to do about side effects
Most side effects are minor and don't cause significant problems. However, a few are serious and need medical attention. Knowing what to do if you develop side effects can be confusing.
Find out what to expect beforehand
When prescribed a new medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist what side effects to watch out for and what to do if you experience them. Ask them to write down their answers if you don't think you will remember them. Bear in mind that not everyone will experience the possible side effects, and some will be only temporary as your body gets used to the new medicine.
Take note of any changes
If you experience any change in how you feel while taking a medicine, make a note of the change. In particular, note what happens, when it happens, and how long it lasts.
Get advice from a doctor or pharmacist
Tell your doctor about any changes you have experienced when you next visit them—even if you don't know whether the change is a side effect. Your doctor needs to know about all the changes—positive and negative—so they have the information they need to decide whether the medicine is the most appropriate treatment for you.
If you think the change could be a serious side effect, contact a doctor without delay. If you are unsure what to do, ask a pharmacist for advice.
Even when side effects are not serious, they can be bothersome. If this is so, ask your doctor or pharmacist if there is any way of avoiding the side effects. There may be another way of taking the medicine or treating your condition.
Don't be tempted to take a smaller dose or to take the medicine less often in order to reduce the side effects. Doing so may make the medicine ineffective.
Other ways to find out about side effects
Read the medicine's Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflet. CMI leaflets are available for most prescription medicines and some pharmacy medicines. The leaflet lists the medicine's side effects and tells you what to do if you experience them.
Ring Medicines Line and ask the pharmacist on duty any questions you may have about the medicine and its side effects. The service is free and confidential.
MedicinesTalk is a free quarterly newsletter for consumers written by consumers about using medicines wisely. Subscribe to the hard copy version using our online ordering system, or write to MedicinesTalk, National Prescribing Service Limited, PO Box 1147, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012.
Date published: 2009-04-20 00:00:02
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.
References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.
