Clipping Board » Drug Poisoning ─ It is necessary to be aware of the toxic side effects before taking medication.
In response to the news report (October 18, 2007) titled "50 Pills a Day Turns Ear Infection into Uremia," which has once again heightened tensions between doctors and patients, the National Union of Physicians Associations has issued the following statement to prevent public misinformation due to biased reporting:
1. First, it is necessary to clarify whether Ms. Zhan's suspected kidney issues and episodes of confusion and shock between March and April 2007, with a serum creatinine level as high as 6.6, diagnosed as kidney failure, were related to the aforementioned medications or caused by other factors. As this matter is now under judicial review, it should await clarification by medical professionals.
2. Regarding the claim that "taking five types of medication at once is prone to interactions and is '100% problematic,'" it is important to understand that interactions between drugs, between drugs and food, and the effects of drugs on diseases themselves cannot be determined solely based on the number of medications. Physicians prescribe medications based on professional judgment to achieve therapeutic effects, selecting drugs with fewer side effects. Some medications should not be combined, while others should be taken on an empty stomach or after meals. When prescribing, physicians have already considered these factors. They prescribe appropriate medications based on the severity and complexity of the illness, minimizing drug interactions. The claim that "taking five types of medication at once is prone to interactions and is '100% problematic'" is clearly inappropriate.
3. According to reports, statistics indicate that in the United States, the average number of prescription medications per person per dose is 1.8, while in Taiwan, it is currently 4.2. However, it is important to note that U.S. prescriptions only include prescription medications, while over-the-counter (OTC) drugs (such as fever reducers, painkillers, headache medications, cough and phlegm remedies, antihistamines, nasal decongestants, or antacids) are not included. In the U.S., OTC drugs can be purchased at any pharmacy without a prescription and are commonly kept at home. In Taiwan, a single prescription includes both prescription and OTC medications, which is why the number is higher than the U.S. average of 1.8 pills. In reality, Americans may actually consume more medications than the average in Taiwan when considering both prescription and OTC drugs readily available at home.
For example, for an upper respiratory infection with gastrointestinal discomfort (symptoms including headache, fever, cough, runny nose, vomiting, abdominal pain, sore throat, etc.), commonly used medications include:
1. Scanol (headache medication, OTC)
2. Mucosolvon (phlegm-reducing medication, OTC)
3. Polaramin (nasal decongestant, OTC)
4. Motilium (anti-nausea medication, prescription)
5. Mylanta (antacid, OTC)
In the U.S., only one prescription medication, Motilium, would appear on the prescription, while in Taiwan, the prescription would include all five medications (both prescription and OTC). We urge that statistical data be presented with clear explanations of the contextual differences between the two countries to avoid misleading the public with inaccurate statements, which could harm society before any benefits are realized.
4. The doctor-patient relationship is built on mutual trust and reliance. We urge the public to ask their doctors directly if they have any questions during medical visits and to communicate any issues during treatment to maintain a good doctor-patient relationship and improve the quality of healthcare.
2008/01/03 01:53
Medical Association Issues Statement on "50 Pills A Day for Ear Infection Leads to Uremia" News Report
1. First, it is necessary to clarify whether Ms. Zhan's suspected kidney issues and episodes of confusion and shock between March and April 2007, with a serum creatinine level as high as 6.6, diagnosed as kidney failure, were related to the aforementioned medications or caused by other factors. As this matter is now under judicial review, it should await clarification by medical professionals.
2. Regarding the claim that "taking five types of medication at once is prone to interactions and is '100% problematic,'" it is important to understand that interactions between drugs, between drugs and food, and the effects of drugs on diseases themselves cannot be determined solely based on the number of medications. Physicians prescribe medications based on professional judgment to achieve therapeutic effects, selecting drugs with fewer side effects. Some medications should not be combined, while others should be taken on an empty stomach or after meals. When prescribing, physicians have already considered these factors. They prescribe appropriate medications based on the severity and complexity of the illness, minimizing drug interactions. The claim that "taking five types of medication at once is prone to interactions and is '100% problematic'" is clearly inappropriate.
3. According to reports, statistics indicate that in the United States, the average number of prescription medications per person per dose is 1.8, while in Taiwan, it is currently 4.2. However, it is important to note that U.S. prescriptions only include prescription medications, while over-the-counter (OTC) drugs (such as fever reducers, painkillers, headache medications, cough and phlegm remedies, antihistamines, nasal decongestants, or antacids) are not included. In the U.S., OTC drugs can be purchased at any pharmacy without a prescription and are commonly kept at home. In Taiwan, a single prescription includes both prescription and OTC medications, which is why the number is higher than the U.S. average of 1.8 pills. In reality, Americans may actually consume more medications than the average in Taiwan when considering both prescription and OTC drugs readily available at home.
For example, for an upper respiratory infection with gastrointestinal discomfort (symptoms including headache, fever, cough, runny nose, vomiting, abdominal pain, sore throat, etc.), commonly used medications include:
1. Scanol (headache medication, OTC)
2. Mucosolvon (phlegm-reducing medication, OTC)
3. Polaramin (nasal decongestant, OTC)
4. Motilium (anti-nausea medication, prescription)
5. Mylanta (antacid, OTC)
In the U.S., only one prescription medication, Motilium, would appear on the prescription, while in Taiwan, the prescription would include all five medications (both prescription and OTC). We urge that statistical data be presented with clear explanations of the contextual differences between the two countries to avoid misleading the public with inaccurate statements, which could harm society before any benefits are realized.
4. The doctor-patient relationship is built on mutual trust and reliance. We urge the public to ask their doctors directly if they have any questions during medical visits and to communicate any issues during treatment to maintain a good doctor-patient relationship and improve the quality of healthcare.