February 5th, 2024

Taking medication as directed, only to find it is making things worse, can be a worrying experience. If you follow your doctor or pharmacist’s directions but experience symptoms like headaches, rashes, or fatigue, you may wonder what to do next.

Understanding the impact of your medication on your health is crucial for your well-being. If these side effects stem from an unsafe product, an incorrectly prescribed drug, or a dosage issue, you might have grounds for a personal injury case.

Learn what steps to take if your medication worsens your condition and how a California drug injury lawyer from Berg Injury Lawyers can help.

Recognizing a Medication-Related Issue

Identifying medication-related problems starts with knowing what to look for. Here are a few signs and symptoms that may show up when you begin taking a medication:

  • Intense or rare side effects. Severe or uncommon side effects that are not typical reactions to the medication can indicate an issue.
  • Escalating or new health issues. Intensifying pre-existing symptoms or new issues like sudden joint pain or unexplained skin conditions after starting the medication.
  • Immediate allergic reactions. Symptoms such as skin rashes, facial or throat swelling, or acute breathing difficulties indicate an allergic response.
  • Pronounced mood swings. Changes in mood, such as deepening depression, heightened anxiety, unexpected irritability, or thoughts of self-harm.
  • Marked cognitive impairment. Noticeable memory lapses, confusion, or a sudden inability to focus or process information.
  • Severe digestive problems. Persistent or severe gastrointestinal issues like relentless nausea, continuous vomiting, chronic diarrhea, or ongoing constipation.
  • Drastic sleep pattern changes. Severe insomnia, sleeping far more than usual, or altering sleep-wake cycles.

Steps to Take

Should you have concerns that your medication is adversely affecting your health, it’s important to take proactive measures to address the situation, including:

  • Seek prompt medical attention. If you experience severe or life-threatening symptoms, such as allergic reactions or breathing difficulties, seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
  • Document symptoms and health changes. Keep a detailed record of any symptoms you experience, their severity, and when they started. Note any changes in your overall health or well-being.
  • Save all medication documents. Keep all information provided by the pharmacy, such as the container, medication guide, prescription details, and labels. This information can be crucial for your healthcare provider to understand what you’ve been taking and in what dosage.
  • Contact your healthcare provider. Reach out to your healthcare provider who prescribed the medication. Schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns openly and honestly. Be prepared to share your symptom diary with them to illustrate your concerns.
  • Follow their advice. Your healthcare provider may recommend adjusting the medication dosage, changing to a different medication, or discontinuing the drug. Follow their advice and continue to communicate any changes in your condition.

Options for Medication Adjustments

If you consult your doctor regarding issues with your medication, they should attentively hear your concerns and contemplate potential adjustments. This may involve conducting a physical examination, blood tests, or other diagnostic procedures to ascertain the cause of the medication-related problem.

Based on their findings, they can make an informed adjustment to your treatment plan, which may include:

  • Dosage adjustment. Adjusting the medication’s dosage can reduce side effects while preserving its therapeutic effects. Your healthcare provider will assist you with the proper dosage modifications.
  • Switching to an alternative medication. If the side effects are unbearable, or if the current medication isn’t effective, your healthcare provider might suggest transitioning to an alternative medication that offers similar therapeutic advantages but with fewer side effects.
  • Tapering off medication. Some medications require a gradual reduction in dosage rather than abrupt discontinuation to prevent withdrawal symptoms or potential rebound effects. Your healthcare provider can develop a tapering schedule if necessary.
  • Exploring non-pharmacological alternatives. Depending on your condition, your healthcare provider might suggest non-pharmacological treatments or lifestyle modifications that can complement or replace medication.

Speak to an Attorney About Your Medication Injuries

If you believe that your health has been negatively affected due to medication errors or a defective drug, you may need legal assistance to protect your rights and seek compensation. Our defective product attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers can review your medical records and the medication’s safety and dosage information to determine if you have a case.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your situation and explore your legal options.