Clipping Board » Drug Poisoning ─ It is necessary to be aware of the toxic side effects before taking medication.
TVBS Updated: "2011/04/27 18:57"
In this case, the child exhibited suspected allergic symptoms, and the parents questioned whether it was due to taking cold medicine. Especially this year, with an unusually high number of people catching colds, many feel compelled to take medication. However, most cold medications prescribed are merely anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving. While generally safe, they still carry a risk of allergies. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, flu-like cases leading to pneumonia from January to March alone increased by 38% compared to previous years, and the actual number of cold cases is likely even higher. Doctors believe the misuse of cold medicine has led to rare cases of allergic reactions this year, with one young woman even losing her eyesight.
Three types of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs are commonly prescribed by doctors to "relieve" sore throats and treat colds. Pharmacist Shen Caiying: "They are all anti-inflammatory drugs, but the ingredients differ."
Even though the medication is mild, a 28-year-old woman caught a cold late last year and took painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by her clinic. These contained MEFENAMIC and Diclofenac, which caused a severe allergic reaction. Her lips cracked and ulcerated, her throat hurt unbearably, and she was hospitalized. The next day, dark purple rashes appeared, followed by blisters all over her body. Two days later, her skin peeled off—images that were shocking to see. In the end, she even lost her eyesight.
Dr. Zhong Wenhong, a dermatologist at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital: "Severe drug allergies can include skin ulceration, but the occurrence rate is very low, possibly one in tens of thousands."
Although the probability is low, doctors point out that the misuse of cold medicine is widespread. According to CDC statistics, flu-like cases from January to March dropped slightly from 890,000 in the previous year to 708,000 in 2010 but surged to 1.23 million this year—a 38% increase. The actual number of cold cases is likely even higher. Zhong Wenhong: "In other countries, the advice for colds is not to see a doctor. If patients do visit, after examination, doctors usually just tell them to go home and drink more water."
Unless symptoms like persistent cough or purulent nasal discharge occur, doctors believe it’s unnecessary to take medication immediately for a cold. Drinking plenty of water and resting are usually sufficient. Those with allergic constitutions should be extra cautious. Even for the general public, if itching occurs after taking medication, it’s advisable to stop use. If blisters appear in the mouth, it may be a precursor to severe drug allergies. It’s also best to record the names of medications taken to avoid minor colds leading to major complications.
Source: http://tw. news. yahoo. com/ article/ url/ d/ a/ 110427/ 8/ 2qk8v. html
"Anti-inflammatory Pain Relief" for Colds? Rare Allergy Causes Blindness!
In this case, the child exhibited suspected allergic symptoms, and the parents questioned whether it was due to taking cold medicine. Especially this year, with an unusually high number of people catching colds, many feel compelled to take medication. However, most cold medications prescribed are merely anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving. While generally safe, they still carry a risk of allergies. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, flu-like cases leading to pneumonia from January to March alone increased by 38% compared to previous years, and the actual number of cold cases is likely even higher. Doctors believe the misuse of cold medicine has led to rare cases of allergic reactions this year, with one young woman even losing her eyesight.
Three types of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs are commonly prescribed by doctors to "relieve" sore throats and treat colds. Pharmacist Shen Caiying: "They are all anti-inflammatory drugs, but the ingredients differ."
Even though the medication is mild, a 28-year-old woman caught a cold late last year and took painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by her clinic. These contained MEFENAMIC and Diclofenac, which caused a severe allergic reaction. Her lips cracked and ulcerated, her throat hurt unbearably, and she was hospitalized. The next day, dark purple rashes appeared, followed by blisters all over her body. Two days later, her skin peeled off—images that were shocking to see. In the end, she even lost her eyesight.
Dr. Zhong Wenhong, a dermatologist at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital: "Severe drug allergies can include skin ulceration, but the occurrence rate is very low, possibly one in tens of thousands."
Although the probability is low, doctors point out that the misuse of cold medicine is widespread. According to CDC statistics, flu-like cases from January to March dropped slightly from 890,000 in the previous year to 708,000 in 2010 but surged to 1.23 million this year—a 38% increase. The actual number of cold cases is likely even higher. Zhong Wenhong: "In other countries, the advice for colds is not to see a doctor. If patients do visit, after examination, doctors usually just tell them to go home and drink more water."
Unless symptoms like persistent cough or purulent nasal discharge occur, doctors believe it’s unnecessary to take medication immediately for a cold. Drinking plenty of water and resting are usually sufficient. Those with allergic constitutions should be extra cautious. Even for the general public, if itching occurs after taking medication, it’s advisable to stop use. If blisters appear in the mouth, it may be a precursor to severe drug allergies. It’s also best to record the names of medications taken to avoid minor colds leading to major complications.
Source: http://tw. news. yahoo. com/ article/ url/ d/ a/ 110427/ 8/ 2qk8v. html