Thursday, May 4, 2006

Prescription medicines scare me

Here's what I found on the Internet about Pacerone, one of the drugs Cliff is taking because he had an irregular heartbeat a couple of times while he was in the hospital:

"What is the most important information I should know about amiodarone?
•  In some cases, amiodarone has been associated with serious and even fatal side effects such as lung problems, liver problems, and new or worsening irregular heartbeats. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits associated with the use of amiodarone. 
•  Do not skip doses or change the dosing schedule without talking to your doctor. Missed or delayed doses could be harmful. 
•  Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with amiodarone. Amiodarone can interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice, and the interaction may have dangerous effects. You should discuss the use of grapefruit and grapefruit juice with your doctor. 
•  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Amiodarone may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities. 
•  Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Amiodarone may cause the skin to turn a bluish-gray color. This reaction is worse with exposure to the sun. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable."

I hate reading stuff like that!  I'm going to ask the doctor if there's a chance Cliff can get off that one.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Ask your doc what kind of arrythmia Cliff has.  Ventricular or atrial fib?  There are several kinds.  Then ask him what Cliff's options are besides this drug. Tell him that you read about it.  Tell him what you read and how concerned you are.  

I've challenged the docs mucho times and still do. At their best they still make mistakes.  At their worst they are arrogant and condescending. A little college microbiology went a long way in helping me understand the PDR.  I also discovered that the doctors often don't read it.  Or know the contraindications of the medicine they are prescribind..  So ASK ASK ASK.  Mrs. L