Drug Reactions

A drug reaction is any unwanted effect from a medicine — from mild (nausea, rash) to severe (breathing difficulty, shock, skin peeling). Reactions can happen with prescription medicines, over-the-counter tablets, ayurvedic/herbal products, and even vitamins.

Types

• Side-effects — expected, predictable effects of the drug (for example, drowsiness with antihistamines).
• Allergic reactions — the immune system reacts; may be mild rash or severe anaphylaxis.
• Drug interactions — one medicine changes the effect of another.
• Toxicity — too high a dose, or impaired clearance (kidney/liver disease).

Red flags — dial 112 or go to hospital

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing.
• Swelling of lips, tongue or throat.
• Widespread rash with peeling skin, blisters, or involvement of mouth, eyes or genitals — may be Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a serious reaction.
• Very fast or very slow heartbeat, fainting.
• Confusion or severe drowsiness.
• Severe abdominal pain or vomiting blood.

Common mild reactions

• Nausea, loose motions.
• Mild rash or itching.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Dry mouth.
• Most settle once the drug is stopped or adjusted.

What to do

• If the reaction is severe (see red flags above) — 112.
• If mild, stop the medicine and contact your Health Expert before restarting.
• Keep a record of any drug that caused a reaction — the name, the reaction, and the date. Show this list at every future visit.
• Tell your Health Expert about all medicines and supplements you take, including ayurvedic and herbal — many interact with prescription medicines.

Reducing risk

• Take medicines only as prescribed. Do not self-prescribe antibiotics or steroids — both are widely misused in India and cause serious reactions.
• Check expiry dates and buy from licensed pharmacies.
• Be cautious with unregulated ayurvedic products marketed as cures — some contain heavy metals or hidden steroids that cause severe reactions.