Have you ever pulled out the package insert that comes with a prescription medication? The tiny print is nearly impossible to read, yet it is packed with information about usage, contraindications (i.e., conditions which make a particular medication or treatment inadvisable), and side effects. Just because it is difficult to read does not mean you can forgo the information.

Side-Effect Facts

Some medication side effects are common and considered mild. Other side effects are less common and may be severe. If you're experiencing side effects, ask yourself these questions to determine severity: Are you able to continue the medication or are the side effects intolerable? Are the side effects interfering with your daily activities? Have you discussed a dosage change with your doctor? And have you tried another drug within the same class of drugs?

Remember that side effects can be temporary. Your body may respond a certain way when you first take a new drug, but may adapt later, and side effects may subside. Decide, along with your doctor, what is a reasonable amount of time to wait to see if that will happen.

Side Effects — Recognizable or Undetectable?

Side effects can be recognizable or they can be undetectable except through laboratory tests. Easily recognizable side effects include:

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness

• Upset stomach

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Fluid retention

• Headache

• Insomnia

• Itching

• Rash

Lab tests are used to detect some side effects, including:

• Kidney damage

• Liver damage

• Ulcers

• Anemia

• Changes in blood counts

The ability to monitor potential side effects, and the fact that changing your dosage or stopping medications can reverse some side effects, is reassuring. When deciding on a medication or whether to switch a medication, primary consideration should be given to quality of life and stabilizing disease activity.

The newest class of arthritis drugs, called biologic response modifiers or biologic DMARDs, is worrisome for some patients because of the possible connection to increased risk of infection and the possibility of cancer such as lymphoma. Many patients have had tremendous success with biologic DMARDs. The first of the biologics has been on the market since 1998, and was studied for several years before being marketed. Even with a favorable risk/benefit ratio, each individual patient must be vigilant about recognizing signs of adverse events and alerting their doctor.

It is important to note that any medication can cause adverse side effects at any time. It surprises many patients to learn that even if they have successfully used a medication for a period of time and responded well to it, the medication can stop working or cause undesirable side effects at any time. Any drug can become problematic at any time; monitoring drug efficacy and adverse effects is a continuous process.