The Food and Drug Administration approves the marketing of prescription drugs after reviewing their safety and efficacy based on clinical studies. However, it is common to discover in post-marketing that some of these drugs have dangers that can adversely effect the health of people who use these medicines, according to Shelly Narula in an article titled "The Dangers of Prescription Drugs" published in SteadyHealth.com in 2009. These dangers include side-effects, drug interactions and abuse.
Side Effects
Prescription drugs are generally safe when used as directed. Many prescription drugs have side-effects such as nausea, headache and diarrhea. According to the MayoClinic.com, antibiotics can cause diarrhea and reduce the number of friendly bacteria in the intestinal tract which can lead to toxicity, inflammation, maldigestion, malnutrition and gastrointestinal disease. When taken frequently, antibiotics can lose their power and give rise to more antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria.
Some drugs have serious side effects such as difficulty breathing and problems sleeping, and can even be fatal. Research conducted by K. Wester and published in the "British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology" in 2008, discovered that fatal adverse drug reactions account for approximately 3 percent of deaths in the general population. Hemorrhages, also known as internal bleeding, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract or central nervous system, cardiovascular disorders and kidney dysfunction occur in the majority of fatal adverse drug reactions. The types of prescription drugs implicated in these deaths are antithrombotic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, antidepressants and cardiovascular medicines.
Drug Interactions
Prescription drugs can cause serious and sometimes fatal adverse reactions when taken with other drugs or certain foods, at the same time or at different times during the day. Older people are especially at risk for drug interactions since they are more likely to be taking more than one drug for different conditions compared to people who are younger. According to CVS Pharmacy, there are several common drugs that can have adverse reactions when taken with other medications. Taking aspirin with a prescription blood thinner, such as warfarin, can increase risk of internal bleeding. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants, such as Prozac, can cause high blood pressure and coma when taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Taking erectile dysfunction drugs, such as Viagra, with nitrates can cause extremely low blood pressure. Some antibiotics can lose their effectiveness if taken with over-the-counter antacids such as Tums. Alcohol can increase risk of liver damage in people taking painkillers. Grapefruit juice can increase blood levels of certain types of heart medications called calcium channel blockers.
Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription drugs can be abused. According to the National Drug Intelligence Center, the dangers associated with prescription drug abuse vary by drug. Abuse of opioid painkillers, such as oxycodone, can cause reduced breathing and death. Abuse of depressants, such as benzodiazepines and sedatives, increase the risk of decreased heart rate and seizures. Abuse of stimulants, such as Ritalin, can increase body temperature and irregular heartbeat and cause seizures. Injecting abused drugs, particularly if shared with others, can increase the risk of blood-borne viral infections such as HIV and hepatitis B and C.
References
- Steady Health: The Dangers of Prescription Drugs
- MayoClinic.com: Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
- "British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology"; Incidence of Fatal Adverse Drug Reactions; Wester, K.; Apr 2008
- CVS: Ills & Conditions Drug Interactions
- National Drug Intelligence Center: Prescription Drugs Fast Facts
