Q. I was diagnosed with a stomach ulcer attributed to ibuprofen. I landed in the ER and almost died because I was taking Motrin.
Every time I tell someone my story they are astonished. Most people are not aware that ibuprofen may cause stomach ulcers. They think stress, hot spicy foods or alcohol cause ulcers. So did I until it happened to me.
Nothing on the back of the packaging warns that ibuprofen could cause dangerous internal bleeding. I want to warn other people to know so they won’t suffer as I did.
A. Most people believe over-the-counter pain relievers have few serious side effects. But some individuals on such medications develop bleeding ulcers with no warning.
Experts have estimated that NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac and aspirin are associated with an estimated with 107,000 hospitalizations and 17,000 deaths every year in the United States.
If you look at the fine print on a package of Advil, Motrin IB or Aleve you will discover a warning to stop use if stomach pain occurs. There is even a notice that the drug “may cause stomach bleeding,” but since it is listed under the heading “Alcohol warning,” many may have disregarded it.
Most people believe over-the-counter pain relievers don’t have side effects. But some individuals on such medications develop bleeding ulcers with no warning.
Q. I’ve had trouble with constipation nearly all my life, but the problem has worsened over the last few years. Extra fiber just bloats me and causes gas. Flax seed didn’t help and neither did Citracal.
My doctor prescribed Xenical, but and warned me to stay near a bathroom. It didn’t do anything.
A friend said her constipation problem cleared up after being she was treated for thyroid trouble. How would I know if that were my problem?
A. Chronic constipation can be ais one symptom of a sluggish thyroid gland, but it can also be due to other factors. Many medications can contribute to constipation.
Calcium supplements such as Citracal (calcium citrate) could make such problems worse. You may be better off trying Citrucel, an over- the- counter fiber product rich in fiber designed to relieve constipation.
Xenical is a prescription diet pill. It prevents fat absorption and one side effect can be “fecal urgency.” Xenical This seems like an odd way to treat constipation.
A simple blood test will reveal if your thyroid is to blame. We are sending you our Guides to Thyroid Hormones and Constipation to help you interpret lab the tests and give you information on a variety of approaches to constipation.
Anyone who would like copiesa copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. TG-43, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
Q. I am taking Plavix and, Lipitor and Altace. It has recently come to my attention that these drugs may interact with each other. Is there any truth to that?
A. One study (Circulation, Jan. 2003)Research suggests that the cholesterol-lowering drug Lipitor may reduce the effectiveness of the anti-clotting medicine Plavix (Circulation, Jan. 2003). The manufacturer of Plavix, Bristol-Myers Squibb, maintains that thise interaction that occurs does not cause patients problems (no clinical significance)is not a problem. Ask your doctor to analyze the data for you.
Q. Can you become depressed while taking an antidepressant drug like Zoloft? If so, does this mean the drug is not working?
A. If depression recurs while a person is taking an antidepressant (Zoloft or another medicine), the physician might adjust the dose or changes the prescription. While such drugs usually work well, some people might find they may become less effective over time.
