Dangers of ‘safe’ drugs

THE focus on the side- effects of antibiotic ciprofloxacin (Mail) raises important issues about apparently safe prescription medicines. I suspect few patients read the small leaflets included with their medication, relying instead on their GP and pharmacist and the belief that what they’re being prescribed is likely to help rather than harm.

The pharmacist who suffered the side-effects of ciprofloxacin was, compared with 99 per cent of the population, the most likely to be aware of possible problems with the drug, and would probably also have been aware that as far back as 2008 the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. had issued what is referred to as a ‘black box warning’ on this drug.

I was recently prescribed Gabapentin for nerve pain associated with a back problem. After a couple of doses, I started to feel quite unwell and consulted the leaflet contained in the box.

There was a lengthy list of possible side- effects, but those described as ‘very common’ (may affect more than one in ten people), according to the manufacturer, include viral infection, dizziness, lack of coordination and fever. Those described as ‘common’ (may affect up to one in ten) include pneumonia, infections, anger, mood changes, high blood pressure, joint and muscle pain and many more.

We do, quite rightly, rely on doctors and pharmacists not to prescribe or dispense medicines that have unusually wide or common side-effects which could prove life-changing. But there are other important issues.

When prescribed new medication, you must read — or get someone else to read you — the leaflet in the box.

Patient safety and well-being must always be paramount.

KENNETH STARLING, Wantage, Oxon.