Many medicines are safe and effective when use correctly, but problems can arise when common drug are taken for long periods. Without review, medicines like painkiller, acid, drugs, steroids, laxative, and sleeping pills are often continued for months or years sometimes without medical supervision.
Long-term use of painkiller can damage the stomach, kidney and heart. Acid suppressing medicine may reduce absorption of important nutrition like vitamin B12, calcium and magnesium, increasing the risk of fracture and infection. Steroids when used for a long time can lead to weight gain, diabetes, bone thinning, and weakened immunity. Regular use of laxatives can make the bowel dependent on them, worsening constipation over time. Sleep medication may cause dependence, memory issue and daytime drowsiness.
The main issue is not that these medicines are bad, but that they are often continued longer than needed. Many patients are unaware of this risk and assumed that “if a doctor once prescribe it, it must be safe forever”
What are your thoughts on this ?