Medication Safety and Management of Side Effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment.
Identifying, monitoring, and managing side effects
Medication side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. can occur when you take prescription or non-prescription medications Medications that you can get without a prescription. May include over-the-counter medications and natural health products. (over-the counter medications and natural health products Naturally occurring substances that can be used in products to maintain or restore health. Common natural health products include vitamins, minerals, and substances that come from a natural source (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids). ). Side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. can range in severity from a minor inconvenience to a major disruption. It is important to identify if, and when, medication side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. occur.
This video contains some strategies to help you identify, monitor, and manage medication-related side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. . These strategies are also described below.
Note: Medication side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. may be similar to symptoms from secondary conditions A mental or physical health condition that occurs because of a primary health condition. . For example, some medication side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. may resemble symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia Health condition that affects individuals with a spinal cord injury at or above the T6 level. This syndrome involves an overreaction of the nervous system and can cause high blood pressure resulting in a headache, sweating, blotchy skin, and bladder and bowel problems. (e.g., changes in heart rate and blood pressure). It is important to talk to your healthcare provider to identify the differences.
Educate
It is important to be aware of possible side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. (both common and unusual), as well as when they are expected to occur (immediately after taking the medication versus hours, days, or weeks later). Some side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. can be minimized or prevented by taking medications with (or without) food or at certain times of day.
- One way to learn about medication side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. is to ask your pharmacist when you start a new medication or experience any changes to your medication routine. You may also consider having regular check-ins with your pharmacist and other healthcare providers to talk about your medications.
- There are also free and credible online tools (e.g. MedlinePlus) that you can use to search for medication information such as how the medication works, how to take it, when not to take it, possible side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. , and possible interactions. Even when using online tools, it is important to discuss potential side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. with your healthcare provider.
Track
Keep a medication journal or log to track medication side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. (or suspected side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. ), which can be used during conversations with your healthcare providers about your medications. See Medication and Symptom tracker table to help record some key pieces of information. Visit Module 2 and Module 3 for guidance on how the table can be used.
This resource can be downloaded and completed on your computer or mobile device, or it can be printed.
Discuss
If you experience or think you are experiencing side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. , unusual symptoms, or changes in your health, it is important to discuss them with your healthcare providers. If you experience any unwanted side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. , talk to your health care provider about potential alternative options (e.g. different medication, dose, timing of delivery).
Seek Help
If you experience any severe reactions or side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. (e.g. difficulty breathing, chest pain, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat) seek emergency medical care immediately by calling 9-1-1 or your local emergency services.
References
British Heart Foundation. (2023, March 4). Medication side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. : How to deal with them. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/drug-cabinet/medication-side-effects-tips#:~:text=They%20may%20be%20able%20to,side%20effects%20such%20as%20nausea
Healthwise. (2023, March 1). Dealing with medicine side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. and interactions. HealthLink BC. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/dealing-medicine-side-effects-and-interactions
MacMillan, A. (2022, November 14). How to deal with side effects Unwanted or unexpected reactions to a medication or treatment. of medicine. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/manage-drug-side-efects