[Terrij]

Which medications cause which side effects?

by Terrij on Mon Aug 17, 2015 1:41 am

Since being diagnosed, my daughter has been on so many medications other then those to control the disease. I often wonder if she is getting an overload of meds.

As example, there are antivirals, antibiotics, anti-nausea, Zometa, calcium, steroids, potassium, vitamin D, magnesium, and allopurinol, Also, Lasix and metoprolol for her heart, which was brought on by Velcade induction therapy.

Bouts of nausea could be caused by some of these meds. Volcanic diarrhea could be caused by some, or is it the chemo? Loss of taste could be caused by some.

How can someone tell the difference when you are taking 23 pills a day?

[JPC]

Re: Which medications cause which side effects?

by JPC on Mon Aug 17, 2015 8:26 am

Good morning, Terri. The short answer is that it's impossible to know for sure exactly which med causes what side effect, and to boot, the myeloma causes some of the same issues in some cases. I have found that you can get somewhat of an idea from reading the drug data sheet. Each med is required to have them. You can look it in an internet search (e.g. Drugs.com) these sheets are generic, and they list ALL of them, but it might give you a little better idea. At least you could rule out some of the meds for your major issues of concern.

[Christa's Mom]

Re: Which medications cause which side effects?

by Christa's Mom on Mon Aug 17, 2015 6:54 pm

Hi Terrij:

Other than the Velcade and the Zometa, do you get all your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy? If you have everything filled at the same place, the pharmacy can help watch for drug interactions. Also, if you take the list of meds and vitamins (I noticed you included both on your list) and the dosage to the pharmacist, he/she may be able to help you.

Good luck!

Lyn