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Ras Al Khaimah - Any medication can cause side effects, and HBP medicines are no exception

Residents were warned against overuse of high blood pressure medicines as it affects the health badly.
The Ras Al Khaimah Medical Zone issued the warning saying that though the medicines are important and possibly life-saving, it leads to medicine induced side effects.
Dr Abdullah Al Nuaimi, director of the RAK Medical Zone, said they have recently launched a special programme to track medicine-related side effects among patients.
"The scheme, to be generalised in the 19 health centres across the emirate, is meant to develop health awareness, and better control the impact of medication on patients in general, and those with chronic diseases in particular."
Dr Mohammed Nabil Elshobary, a specialist gastroenterologist here, told Khaleej Times that any medication can cause side effects, and HBP medicines are no exception.
"Though some are mild, it's important to work with your doctor to manage any side effects. Medication is not the only solution for HBP. Proper lifestyle change will help to control this chronic disease," he added.
Medication even differs from one patient to another, and as per the development of the case. Therefore, patients should completely follow the prescription and for only the period set by the doctor "who will be following the case closely to either extend or change the course."
What is much better than this is prevention which is better than cure, he pointed out. "It is highly advisable, not only for HBP patients but also sound people to significantly cut down consumption of salt and fats, avoid high-calorie foods and drinks, and exercise more."
Warning, Dr Elshobary said a patient should not insist on certain drugs as there can be serious side effects if the drug does not fit the case. "A diabetic patient cannot take the same medicine of another with kidney or liver problems, for example."
Should a patient have a problem affording his or her medications, they have to talk to their doctor or pharmacist to find affordable, yet, suitable drugs and one should be patient if it takes some time to find the right dose, he added.
"But, if you have side effects, tell your doctor immediately as people may respond differently to medications. Everyone has to go through a trial period to find out which medications work best with the fewest side effects."
Elaborating, Dr Elshobary said the drug dosage may be reduced after some time when the blood pressure returns to normal, but it is still rare for the treatment to be stopped entirely. "Some form of treatment must be continued over a lifetime for good results, and can never be cut forever."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Ras Al Khaimah