What health problems do look alike drugs present?
We’ve all done it – opened up the medicine cabinet, scanned across rows of boxes and bottles, and picked out the one that most closely matches our symptoms. But did you know that those look-alike drugs could be causing some serious health problems? In this article, we’ll explore why look-alike drugs are dangerous, how to identify them, and what you can do to protect yourself.
The Danger of Look-Alike Drugs
Look-alike drugs might have similar packaging or names but contain different active ingredients. Taking the wrong medication can lead to a host of health problems including:
Allergic Reactions
Taking a medication containing an ingredient you’re allergic to could lead to anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or limbs and hives.
Overdose
Similar looking medications dosed differently is another grave danger when they are misused accidentally by patients. It’s possible for two medicines used for different conditions in varying doses look almost identical making it easy for someone who didn’t read through properly before taking their next dose.
Liver Damage
Two distinct prescription drug both labelled as ‘painkillers’, if ingested together would cause liver damage which is quite fatal.
In addition to these dangers associated with taking incorrect medication due to visually confusing products whether intended or not there lies more side effects if given at large quantities with high dependency rates over long periods often developing into addiction even overdose on certain types/an amount taken beyond normal threshold toleration level such as combined medications
Let’s break down each issue further…
Identifying Look-Alike Drugs
Recognizing dangerous fakes in pill form isn’t always simple since they resemble authentic ones possibly created specifically towards people suffering from visual impairment difficulties but still require necessary discernment skills exercised diligently i.e based on labeling information strictly,
However, there are a few things you can do to help identify look-alike drugs:
Check the Label
Always read through medicine leaflets it is not enough to just rely on looks alone.
Make sure to take note of doctor’s recommended dosage levels and memorize other potential side effects expected.
Compare Packaging with Previous Purchases
Comparing packaging from previous purchases would also add another layer of insurance for double-checking. That way, if something appears suspicious or different during your next pharmacy trip could lead one towards staying alert and making more thorough checks beforehand.
Protecting Yourself
Taking steps in safeguarding yourself will ensure that no negative outcomes arise as mentioned before from wrong medication intake:
Speak with Your Pharmacist
Before taking any new drug prescriptions, make sure to call up the local pharmacist who will ascertain whether prescription details contain all relevant information such as precautions needed before use.
Keep Track of Medications
To avoid accidentally taking incorrect medications, always keep track of what remedies you have taken each day by using alarms or a scheduler app readily available across platforms hosted over various stores/apps library for installation usage. Allocate specific time slots committed exclusively too refilling bottles/checkups etc…
Store Medications Securely
Keep medicines in sealed containers stored securely away from children & pets whilst ensuring label directions remains legible at all times till completion date is reached.
Overall being mindful when selecting off-the-shelf medications should not be taken lightly especially given recent studies which indicate that counterfeit production rates globally has risen astronomically leading experts,campaigns and organisations tirelessly advocating for responsible vigilant choices at every point whenever health disorders require urgent attention.