Minor Side Effects and Complications

Prescription drugs and medical devices may also have minor side effects and complications. Possibly the most common side effects of any prescription drug are gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, constipation and diarrhea, because most drugs go through the digestive system to be absorbed. Other common effects include drowsiness, pain and skin reactions. Minor complications from medical devices could include varying levels of pain.

Common minor side effects of prescription drugs: Diarrhea

Dizziness

Drowsiness

Fatigue

Heart issues (palpitations, irregular heartbeats)

Hives

Nausea and vomiting

Rash

Stomach upset

Common side effects by drug type: Drug Type Common Side Effects Antibiotics Nausea, diarrhea, rash, yeast infection, fever Antidepressants Weight gain, insomnia, nervousness Antihistamines, allergy medications Drowsiness, insomnia, weakness Asthma medications Nervousness, sweating, nausea, vomiting Decongestants Nose bleed, nasal irritation Diabetes medications Nausea, heartburn, fatigue, dizziness Heart and blood pressure medications Dizziness, drowsiness, chest pain, loss of appetite, leg pain Heartburn medications Constipation, bloating Pain relievers Stomach upset, tinnitus, nausea

Common Minor Side Effects of Medical Devices

Minor side effects are generally defined as those that may be uncomfortable for the patient, but does not threaten the person’s health or is so uncomfortable the device has to be removed or repaired. Most minor side effects or complications involving medical devices happen through surgery. This may involve a tool used during an operation or a device implanted into the body.

Minor side effects and complications from medical devices include: Bruising around the surgical site

Mild allergic or other reaction

Minor infection

Numbness

Pain

Redness

Swelling

Most minor complications can be treated with medication. If these conditions persist or worsen, they may be a sign of a more serious problem and you should talk to a doctor immediately.

High-Risk Conditions

People who have serious health conditions such as heart disease, cancer or diabetes frequently have other medical conditions as well. The medications they take for these other conditions may present serious side effects or complications that make their conditions worse. Medical devices they rely on may also affect their risk of complications or affect their treatment.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a group of conditions in which the body is not able to produce or respond to a critical hormone called insulin. People who develop diabetes have too much sugar in their blood. Your risk for developing diabetes can include family history, excess weight, lack of exercise and improper diet. People diagnosed with diabetes may take medicines for other conditions such as allergies or high blood pressure. But some of those medications or conditions may worsen their diabetes or affect their medical devices for treating the disease.

If you have diabetes, you should be aware of the risks from: Antipsychotic drugs

Beta-blockers (high blood pressure, glaucoma drugs)

Glucocorticoids (steroids)

Niacin (cholesterol medication)

Thiazide diuretics (blood pressure drugs)

Heart Disease and Stroke

Heart disease includes both heart attacks and heart failure. Both are usually the result of coronary artery disease, a condition where fat and other materials can build up in arteries, making them harder and narrower.

The most serious side effects include: NSAIDS (pain relievers)

Decongestants, allergy and cold medications

Weight-loss drugs

The American Heart Association lists more than 100 different drugs that pose a risk to people with heart disease. Many of these drugs can also interfere with treatment after a stroke. People with heart disease take an average of seven drugs every day just to treat that one condition. This can also increase the risk of a dangerous drug interaction with other medicines they may take. Heart and stroke patients should make sure every doctor they visit is aware of all the medications they are taking and never take drugs without first checking with their doctor.

Cancer

Cancer is a condition in which abnormal cells in the body start dividing out-of-control and invade nearby organs or other tissue. It can spread throughout the body through the bloodstream or through a person’s lymph nodes — small glands throughout the body. Medications cancer patients take for other conditions — from heartburn to depression — can change the way the body absorbs to cancer drugs. This effect may weaken cancer drugs or make them more toxic.