Dangers of OTC Drugs
So I was walking home from my San Diego Chiropractic clinic the other day when I found a box for the OTC pain reliever – Aleve Gel Caps.
While I talk to my patients all the time about the risks of using OTC pain killers I was shocked by what I read on this box. My patients often take these kinds of pain killers without considering the potential health hazards. The following is copied directly off Aleve’s packaging.
“This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of liver damage, including: dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting/loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including naproxen) may rarely increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke. The risk may be increased if you have heart disease or increased risk for heart disease (due to conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes), or with longer use. This drug should not be taken right before or after heart bypass surgery (CABG).
This drug may infrequently cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. This effect can occur without warning at any time while taking this drug. Older adults may be at higher risk for this effect.
Stop taking naproxen and get medical help right away if you notice any of these rare but serious side effects: black/tarry stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, sudden vision changes.”
I find this list of possible side effects unbelievable. When I get new patients in my clinic one of the primary concerns that they have regarding my care is the potential to become “addicted” to chiropractic treatment – which NEVER happens! Yet these same people often indicate on there intake forms that they use medications such as Aleve to manage their pain.
The point is this – read labels and make wise choices with your health care. In general, the less medications that you take the better!
Yours in Good Health,
Dr. Steve Jones
Chiropractor
(619) 280-0554
