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.

He stressed that continuing to do so means that these individuals are risking their health, and potentially their lives.

“Ignoring the warning messages on a medicine is like ignoring warning signs on the road — it can result in potentially fatal consequences and is just not worth the risk,” said Mr Duggan.

“It is vitally important that people read and stick to the instructions supplied with their medicines.

“If anyone has any concerns or is unsure about taking a medicine, they should ask their pharmacist first before taking it.

“Ignoring warnings can result in accidents, liver failure, stomach perforation or a serious allergic reaction.”

While the IPU’s warning alert is focused mainly on often powerful prescription medications, it also relates to over-the-counter drugs and herbal remedies.

The group said the trend is increasingly being observed by pharmacists, with warnings such as “do not drink alcohol when taking this medication” and “this medicine may make you sleepy. If this happens, do not drive or use tools or machines” among the most common issues ignored.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority, formerly the Irish Medicines Board, previously issued similar warnings on the need to carefully read labels on prescription medications, after a number of serious health side-affects affecting people who failed to heed the advice occurred.

www.ipu.ie

hpra.ie