Unconscious medication use and prescribing cascade pose danger
Experts warn that resorting to new medications to address drug side effects creates a prescribing cascade, leading to new health problems.
Resorting to another medication to eliminate the side effect of a drug paves the way for unnecessary medication use and new health problems over time. Experts warn chronic patients against unconscious medication increases.
Prescribing cascade and side effects
When a side effect caused by a medication goes unnoticed, a second drug may be prescribed to alleviate this symptom. The number of drugs increases without addressing the root cause, creating the risk of new side effects.
For example, some blood pressure medications can cause swelling in the feet, which can lead to starting a diuretic medication. However, investigating the source of the swelling can prevent unnecessary treatment.
The elderly and chronic patients at risk
In individuals with multiple diseases and taking numerous medications, it can be difficult to distinguish between disease symptoms and side effects. Cholesterol medications can cause muscle pain, while blood pressure and heart medications can affect kidney functions.
Ways to prevent unnecessary use
The fundamental approach in medication use should be to identify the source of the problem rather than turning to a new drug for every symptom. It is necessary to avoid starting medications on one's own and unconsciously increasing the number of drugs.
It is of great importance not to stop blood pressure, heart, and diabetes medications without a doctor's recommendation, and to report over-the-counter products and supplements to a specialist.