Medicines prescribed to a patient by a doctor in order to relief from pain or cure certain health conditions such as mental disease, diabetes or cancer, are known as prescription drugs. These medicines are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have medical benefits when consumed as per the prescription. For patients suffering with specific health conditions, these medicines allow to control the symptoms, relieve pain and helps in fighting an infection. These medicines are safe only when consumed under medical supervision only or as per the directions written on the packaging. This comprises the directions on dosage, frequency and not taking any dose without a medical prescription.
Mentioned below is the list of 10 medications that one should strictly avoid taking without medical prescription.
1) Dolo 650: Dolo 650 contains paracetamol as its main ingredient that is used to relieve pain like dental pain, fever and arthritis. Patients who are suffering from liver disease should use this medicine with caution as it increases the risk of adverse effects.
If the medicine is taken in high dose for long-term it can cause skin reactions, jaundice and even kidney disorders.
One should avoid the consumption of alcohol with Dolo 650.
2) Hydrocodone: This medicine is a powerful ingredient in narcotic painkillers and is used for moderate to severe pain. It is suggested to take this medicine orally for short-term dental and pain caused by an injury. It is combined with acetaminophen or ibuprofen and is available in brand names like Norco, Vicodin and Zoyhdro. All these versions of hydrocodone are potent opioids that can cause addiction, abuse and dependencies.
A patient taking hydrocodone can become habitual, especially with prolonged use. It is advisable to take this drug as told by the doctor and one should discuss his family’s medical history before commencing with the treatment. It can cause long-term harm to body and brain. People who abuse this medication can suffer from various side effects such as nausea, headache and constipation.
3) Zocor: Zocor belongs to the class of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors or statins. It is the brand of medicine containing the active ingredient ‘Simvastatin’ that helps in reducing cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Before consuming the medicine, patients should tell the doctor if they are suffering from diabetes or liver or kidney disease; or if the patient is in the habit of consuming more than 2 alcoholic beverages. Pregnant women should not take this drug as it can harm the baby in the fetus and even cause complications in the pregnancy.
Some people can bear statin drugs very well, but some experience side-effects such as muscle aches, flushes and bloating.
4) Synthroid: Synthroid is synthetic thyroid hormone that is used to treat hypothyroidism and goiter, that is caused by hormonal imbalance. This tablet contains levothyroxine sodium as its main ingredient. This medicine is taken when the thyroid does not produce sufficient hormone on its own.
Synthroid should not be used either alone or along with other drugs for treating issues like obesity or weight loss. Long-term use of the medicine can cause irregular periods, flushing and deformity in infants.
5) Prilosec: Prilosec belongs to the class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors that blocks the production of acid in the stomach. This medicine is used for treating ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It can also be used for treating heartburn, indigestion caused by GERD and inflammation of the food pipe.
These drugs may increase the chance of death according to a recent study. Other studies have shown that PPIs pose a range of health risks that includes pneumonia, dementia and bone fractures.
6) Amoxicillin: This medicine is a generic form of a drug called Amoxil that is used in treating bacterial infections. Amoxicillin is prescribed for treating medical conditions caused by bacteria such as E. Coli, H.influenzae and H.Pylori. Patients before starting with its medication should discuss with their doctors if they had any allergies, liver or kidney diseases and myasthenia gravis.
This medicine can cause skin rashes, diarrhea and fatigue. Among elders, it can develop stomach growths like fundic gland polyps.
7) Metformin: This drug is used for high blood sugar level in type II diabetes. It helps in maintaining blood sugar levels and help diabetic patients in lowering the risk of developing macular degeneration that often leads to vision loss.
This medicine can cause muscle pain, irregular heartbeat and nausea. The most common side effect of this medicine is lactic acidosis, which is a serious problem and occurs due to expansion of metformin in the body.
8) Hydrochlorothiazide: The medicine is a generic form of drug Microzide that helps in treating the high blood pressure and fluid accumulation. It helps in preventing the body from absorbing excessive salt that results in fluid retention.
Patients suffering from kidney disorders, high levels of potassium and urination issues should avoid taking this medicine. This medicine can cause seizures, restlessness and weakened muscles.
9) Plavix: This medicine is the brand name for the medicine clopidogrel bisulfate. It is an antiplatelet that is useful in preventing blood clots. Plavix can be effective in preventing heart attack but it may increase the risk of bleeding. Some of the side effects associated with the medicine may cause bleeding, vomiting and change in the urine colour.
10) Actos: This medicine contains pioglitazone hydrochloride as an active ingredient. It is used for treating type II diabetes, regulating blood sugar levels and increases body’s sensitivity to insulin. The medicine is taken combination with metformin and glimepiride.
It may cause weight gain, liver damage and heart failure.
Taking prescription drugs that are not prescribed is as dangerous as consuming a drug. Recently, there has been a massive increase in the number of poisonings and death cases associated with the abuse or misuse of these drugs, including the antidepressants and painkillers.
Consuming prescription drugs without any medical supervision is illegal and may put a person at the risk for arrest. Abusing prescription drugs can serious health risks to the body.
Disclaimer: This article has been written by Docprime.com Team and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Free Press Journal.
