Ignoring side-effect warnings on medicines ‘potentially fatal’, group claims

Sick people are increasingly putting their health and lives at risk by ignoring side-effect warning signs on over-the-counter and prescription drugs.

The Irish Pharmacy Union made the claim after receiving a number of reports from its members about people failing to take on board the seriousness of messages on labels.

Urging the public to be aware of these concerns, practicing pharmacist and honorary member of the representative body, Bernard Duggan, said the reality is that people regularly ignore warnings about taking alcohol or driving while using a medication.