This announcement was paid for by Epocrates. Epocrates Online and A Writer's Life would like for you to take a moment to familiarize yourself with any medications that you are taking. Epocrates Online is a free website by Epocrates, Inc. that is aimed at clinicians, offering information on over 3,000 drugs with information on possible interactions, common side effects, accurate dosage information and even estimated prescription cost. Members can now view pictures of medications, giving more accurate identification of specific medications.
I know that one of the biggest dangers to anyone taking multiple prescription medications is the danger of drug interactions when new prescriptions are filled. Websites such as Epocrates Online, offer family caregivers the chance to confirm what possible interactions are and lets caregivers be better equipped to avoid such dangers when it comes to their care recipients.
One such example from my current life is my dad - he was prescribed something by his doctor the other day as a test 'to see how it works for him' that I discovered had a adverse reaction with his pain medication (making it less effective) and has a side effect of (amoung other things) suicidality. Woah, no thank you, not testing that one on my dad when it is not something he needs to be taking. The purpose of it was to ease off the pain in his leg and arm so he can get off the pain medication, but with suicidality as a side effect, he can keep taking pain medication.
Another example of where Epocrates has helped me as a family caregiver - my parents are quitting smoking. While my dad has so far managed to go cold turkey, mom is considering rather or not pills would be right for her. Since she has diabetes, I am in the position to be looking at the possible side effects of stop smoking pills such as Chantix. After looking into that one, I think she might be better off to continue smoking. Some of the possible side effects of Chantrex are: cause emotional disturbances, abnormal dreams and suicidality. (What is it with all these drugs now days that have a side effect of suicidality?)
My thanks to Epocrates Online for providing this kind of information, things I don't find on them pharmacy handouts. It makes me feel better about what my parents are taking when I can find out about possible trouble before they take medications.
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