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Medication Matters: Know Side Effects and Stay Safe · asarealitypodcast.podbean.com

• 0:09
  ASA Reality Podcast on Tytonian.
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  Medication Awareness, Understanding Side Effects, and Staying Safe.
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  Today, I want to talk about something very important, our health,
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  and most specifically, medication awareness and side effects.
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  Because while medication saves lives.
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  It also requires understanding, monitoring, and responsibility.
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  First and foremost, not all side effects are the same.
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  And not all side effects should be ignored.
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  Some are mild, like slight nausea, drowsiness, or a temporary headache.
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  But others can be moderate to severe and must not be ignored.
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  If something feels wrong in your body after starting a medication, don't dismiss it.
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  Don't push through silently. Speak up. Report it. Talk to your nurse.
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  Talk to your medical professional.
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  Adjustment can always be made, but only if it is reported.
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  Let's take a simple example. Client A is placed on a blood pressure medication such as Linsinopril.
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  This medication is meant to lower blood pressure and protect the heart.
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  But in some cases, if the body responds too strongly, blood pressure may drop too much.
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  This can lead to severe dizziness, headaches, feeling faint when standing,
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  lowering heart rate, a condition sometimes related to as autostatic hypertension,
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  when blood pressure drops upon standing.
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  This is why monitoring is so important.
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  A medication can be correct, but the dose of body response may still need adjustment.
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  Another example, Client B.
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  Was placed on waparin Coumadin. This is the strong blood thinner.
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  It helps prevent dangerous blood clots but it requires strict monitoring.
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  Patients must do regular blood tests such as PT INR, pro thrombin time,
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  international normalized ratio.
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  Without follow-up, the blood can become too thin or not thin enough.
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  Both situations can be dangerous so consistency with lab work is life saving.
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  Another common example with client C is aspirin.
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  Many people take it for pain or heart protection but taking it incorrectly such
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  as on an empty stomach can irritate the stomach lining.
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  Over time, this may contribute to gastric irritation, bleeding ulcers,
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  stomach pain or stomach discomfort.
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  Even medications deserve respect.
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  So what is the message today? Be proactive with your health.
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  Listen to your body. Ask questions.
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  Follow up with your doctor and never ignore unusual symptoms.
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  I also want you to gently highlight something important.
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  Pharmacies play a major role in patient condition.
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  In many places, including the Caribbean and parts of Latin and South America,
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  prescriptions are often refilled.
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  Efficiently but sometimes without enough patient instruction.
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  This is not about blame. It is about improvement because every patient deserves
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  clear guidance when medication is given.
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  And finally, if a prescription has been refilled multiple times,
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  it is wise to return to your doctor for
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  review your body changes your
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  needs change and your treatment should
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  always be reviewed regularly let us
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  remember medication is powerful but awareness is protection and knowledge is
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  safety this is auntie tonian and this is asa reality podcast stay informed stay
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  safe and always advocate for your health.
• 5:16
  Thank you. Don't forget to share, like, subscribe. Tell a friend. Tell a neighbor.
• 5:23
  Send it along. Bye-bye.