Would you take medicine to help with one thing if it could harm something else?
By TriciaW
@TriciaW (2441)
United States
June 11, 2007 8:30am CST
My SO has Lupus and the doctors have said he needs to be on medicine because the other treatments aren't working yet with the medicine they have to watch his eyes and do blood work every two months because of the side effects of the meds. He refuses to go on it which of course is his choice. I am just curious what others would do. The doctors have said if he doesn't take this medication to get the lupus under control he could get the worst kind of lupus which is very bad and can cause death. They haven't really said what exactly will happen with the meds only that they have concerns about what it will do in the side effects. What would you do if you were in this situation?
2 people like this
7 responses
@wachit14 (3595)
• United States
11 Jun 07
I have taken medication with serious side effects. One thing I have learned to do is not to consult my doctor about medication. The best person with the most knowledge is the pharmacist that is dispensing the medication. If you have a regular pharmacist that person can give you the best answer about side effects and any interaction with any other kinds of medication you might be taking. No one should ever take any medication blindly without knowing the facts. Another great source of information is
www.edocamerica.com which answers personal questions about things just like this. As for myself, I do take a medication that could potentially harm my liver, but I get regular blood work up so that my doctor is always checking to make sure everything is okay.
@greylady (153)
• United States
12 Jun 07
I agree that a pharmacist is more thorough in explaining possible side effects and what to look for.
Is there a national pharmacist week to honor pharmacists? There should be if there is not.
@AmbiePam (93768)
• United States
11 Jun 07
I've been in this situation before. I took the medicine. The prospect of NOT taking the medicine would bring a worse quality to my heath than not taking the medication to avoid the side effects. For a three month period I have blood 4 times a week and I got through it. It is unpleasant, but if a person is scared of needles than I guess it would be terrifying. Assuming that is his problem. Currently, I get my blood drawn for tests once every month. I'm just glad I don't have to do it so often anymore! LOL
@pretty_babe (704)
• New Zealand
12 Jun 07
I wouldn't want to take medicine that co-insided with another medication that I was taking either but sadly it happens as much as we don't want to do it. I am in this situation and I fear what it will do to my up-to-date medicine and the new medicine I think they are going to put me onto to help me with my newly found out things.
@toriaT14 (3)
• Canada
11 Jun 07
i have a medical problem for which i must take some seriously hard on the kidney meds ...but if i dont take them i wont be able to breathe...sometimes you need to take a risk to live for today...deal with tomorrow when it comes...i will light a candle in the hopes they find a cure or better medical cocktail that will be less invasive for all lupus sufferers ...but He needs to be able to get through the day and if His meds help Him do that ...god bless Him...
toriaT14
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
11 Jun 07
Well ticia, I have been taking various medications for Rheumatoid Arthritics for over 25 years. all of them can have very bad sis affects.. They can affect the blood, liver and kidneys. I have to decide if I want some kind of life or do I want to end up in bed stiff as a board. I worked in a nursing home taking care of a man that was just like that. He couldn’t do any thing for him self. I decided that I would take the chance on the medication and have a few years if possible doing what I wanted to. Well I’m still take some of those medications and I’m still able to care for my self. and I’m still waiting on those side affect. every one has to decide what kind of life they want. Me I chose to have a life even though it might hace beed shortened by the side affects.
