Prescription drugs: what you need to know
Like most things, drugs have an upside and a downside. The upside is they often help us get better - we call these therapeutic effects. The downside is often spoken with dread: the side effects. While you must consult your doctor if you think you have a medical problem, knowing that the side effects from the drug you're on are common and can often be easily remedied, reduces the downside of the equation. |
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Side effects from drugs often manifest themselves in the gastrointestinal system. If suffering from diarrhoea or constipation, the three-day rule applies: although these side effects can be unpleasant, you should avoid taking a remedy within three days. Drink liquids to replace fluid lost through diarrhoea. If it lasts more than three days, or is accompanied by a fever or by blood, pus or mucus, call your Pegasus doctor.
Constipation is a more common and less serious side effect. This happens when a drug slows down the activity of the bowel. Drugs may also take moisture from the bowel, resulting in a more solid stool. Don't take laxatives within the first three days. Rather, drink up to 10 glasses of water a day. Adding fibre to your diet and increasing exercise can also help. |