Cotton Swabs
These can be good for putting on makeup, doing your
nails, or any number of odd jobs around the house. But never stick them -- or
anything else, for that matter -- into your ear canal. Earwax is a healthy part
of your body’s natural defenses, not a sign of illness. If your ear hurts or is
itchy, or you feel like there’s something in there, talk to your doctor.
Aspirin
If members of your family share one medicine cabinet, be
careful with this pain reliever. Though it’s safe for most adults, older people
who take blood thinners for a heart condition should be careful with aspirin.
Taking both can lead to bleeding in the stomach or intestines. And never give
it to kids under 2 or older children or teens who are getting over an illness
with flu-like symptoms. In those cases, aspirin is linked to a rare but serious
condition called Reye’s syndrome, which can cause swelling in your liver or
brain.
Other Pain Relievers
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like
ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can help with pain and swelling.
But they also can thin your blood. If you take prescription blood thinners,
they can cause serious bleeding. If you take them too often, NSAIDs may make
you more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. They also can be bad for your
kidneys, especially if you already have kidney problems.
Leftover Prescription Medicine
If your doctor gives you medication for a specific
condition, use it as directed, then get rid of it. The best way to do that is
to crush it and mix it with something no one would want to eat, like coffee
grounds or kitty litter, then put it in a sealed plastic bag and throw it in
the trash. If you take sleep medicine or strong painkillers too long, you can
start to depend on some of them. And if you use antibiotics for the wrong
reasons, that can lead to bacterial infections that are harder to treat.
Medicines for Heartburn
Proton pump inhibitors (like Nexium, Prilosec, and
Prevacid) can ease the pain caused by acid reflux and other conditions related
to stomach acid. But using them for a long time can make you more likely to
have gut infections or make it harder for your body to take in nutrients. If
you have heartburn a lot, talk with your doctor about all your options.
Chewable Antacids
They help get rid of extra acid in your stomach that
leads to pain or indigestion. But for some people, they can cause constipation,
cramps, and diarrhea. A certain kind called acid blockers (like Pepcid AC,
Tagamet, and Zantac) may also cause headaches and dizziness and more serious
side effects like confusion, chest tightness, sore throat, fever, unusual
heartbeat, and weakness in some people. Call your doctor if you notice any of
these signs.
Antihistamines
These can help with sneezing, runny nose, coughing, and
itchiness. But they also can make you drowsy, lightheaded, confused, or
nervous. They can affect your sleep, appetite, and sex and cause vomiting,
constipation, and diarrhea. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these when
you take antihistamines.
Mouthwash
Be careful not to swallow it. That can hurt your stomach
or make you nauseous. You may even vomit if you swallow too much. Kids under 6
shouldn’t use it because they’re more likely to swallow some by mistake.
Antibacterial Soaps
Also called “antimicrobial” or “antiseptic,” these have
chemicals that are supposed to kill bacteria. But they may instead help make
the bacteria stronger and harder for antibiotics to kill. And they don’t seem
to do a better job of keeping you healthy than plain soap.
Vitamin Supplements
Companies that make these don’t have to prove they’re
safe. Even if they are and you’re perfectly healthy, too much of some vitamins
-- including A, D, E, and K -- can cause problems. Some can also affect
medication you take, so talk to your doctor first.
St. John’s Wort
Used by some people for depression, this herb hasn’t
been approved by the FDA, and it’s not clear that it really helps. And if you
take it along with antidepressants, it can lower your body temperature and
cause trembling, diarrhea, confusion, and muscle stiffness. It also may keep
some drugs used to treat heart problems, high cholesterol, and erectile
dysfunction from working like they should. Check with your doctor to see if
might be helpful for you. If not, toss it.
Nonprescription Drugs for Sex
A number of herbal supplements with “natural”
ingredients claim to boost sexual health in men. For the most part, they don’t
seem to work, and some can cause side effects. Many have ingredients that
aren’t listed, like phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitors, which can affect other
medicine you take.
Weight Loss Supplements
Don’t trust anything that “guarantees” fast weight loss
or claims to be an “herbal alternative” to a medicine approved by the FDA. It
may have unsafe ingredients. The best way to get to a healthy weight is to do
it slowly with a well-balanced diet and an exercise plan. Talk to your doctor
if you’re not sure how to start.
No comments:
Post a Comment