Q. When I read in your column that a person was surprised that the blood pressure pill lisinopril caused his constant cough, I just shook my head and wondered why people don't know the side effects of the drugs they take. I take lisinopril too, but when my doctor put me on it I read the paperwork that listed adverse reactions.
I have found that you have to be very pro-active with your health. I research what I can or cannot eat with any of my prescribed medicines. I ask my doctor why I am on a medicine and if I have read something negative about it, I ask if something else would be as good. I also know that questioning a pharmacist is often the best way to get a helpful answer about a medication.
A. We applaud your prudent approach and only wish others were as careful.