What side effects can occur when taking certain medications?
November 22, 2023 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Babette Kleine
Dear Doctor of Internal Medicine,
I am reaching out to you because I am not well informed about possible side effects of the medications I regularly take. My name is Jürgen Beck and I am 45 years old. I have been taking various medications daily for some time now due to my chronic condition. However, I am concerned about potential side effects that may occur.
I suffer from an autoimmune disease for which I need to take cortisone preparations. Additionally, I also take blood thinners to reduce the risk of thrombosis. Lately, I have noticed an increase in headaches and stomach issues. My skin also seems more irritated than usual. These symptoms worry me and are affecting my quality of life.
Could you please explain in detail what side effects may occur from taking cortisone and blood thinners? Are there possible interactions between the medications I am taking? How can I recognize side effects and what can I do to alleviate or avoid them?
I kindly request your professional assessment and specific advice on how to deal with my concerns and symptoms. Thank you in advance for your support and guidance.
Sincerely,
Jürgen Beck
Dear Mr. Beck,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a specialist in internal medicine. I understand that it is important for you as a patient to be informed about possible side effects of your medications and to take complaints seriously. I would be happy to answer all your questions in detail.
Corticosteroid preparations are medications commonly used to treat autoimmune diseases. Possible side effects of corticosteroids include weight gain, fluid retention, elevated blood sugar, osteoporosis, stomach problems, sleep problems, and skin reactions such as redness, itching, or acne. Headaches can also be a side effect of corticosteroids. It is important that you regularly discuss possible side effects with your treating physician so that they can be identified and treated early.
Blood thinners are usually used to prevent thrombosis. Possible side effects of blood thinners include increased bleeding tendency, bruising, gastrointestinal complaints, headaches, and skin reactions. It is important to adhere to the dosage of your blood thinners and to undergo regular check-ups with your doctor to minimize the risk of side effects.
There may be interactions between corticosteroids and blood thinners. For example, taking both medications at the same time can increase the risk of gastrointestinal complaints. Therefore, it is important to inform your treating physician about all your medications so that potential interactions can be taken into account.
To recognize side effects, it is important to pay attention to changes in your body and to consult your doctor regularly. If you notice symptoms such as headaches, stomach problems, or skin issues, you should discuss them with your doctor.
To alleviate or prevent side effects, you can, for example, focus on a healthy diet, drink enough fluids, incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine, and reduce stress. It is also important to undergo regular check-ups with your doctor to potentially adjust the medication.
I strongly recommend you to schedule an appointment with your treating physician to discuss your current complaints and develop an individual therapy strategy together. Your doctor can review your medication and adjust it if necessary to alleviate your complaints.
I hope that my information was helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at any time.
Kind regards,
Babette Kleine, Specialist in Internal Medicine.
