Medications can allow for effective management of many medical conditions, improving a person’s health outcome drastically. However, even a rigorously-tested medication may cause unexpected and problematic side effects. Understanding how and why these uncommon reactions occur is essential for both healthcare providers and patients. In this article, we discuss some rare side effects of prescription medications that can significantly complicate a patient’s life.
Ozempic & Gastroparesis
Ozempic is a medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, although it is sometimes informally used for weight loss as well. Ozemopic has allegedly been linked to cases of an uncommon but serious side effect known as gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the muscles in the stomach, causing them to weaken. This subsequently slows down the process of emptying food into the intestines.
Patients experiencing this side effect can suffer a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain. It is not yet certain why some patients suffer gastroparesis, but ongoing Ozempic injury lawsuits allege failure to warn patients of the known risks associated with the medication.
In recent news, a woman was told by doctors that she would “never have a solid bowel movement again” after undergoing emergency surgery to treat life-threatening gastroparesis affiliated with Ozempic use. While gastroparesis is a rare side effect of Ozempic, it’s worth knowing the signs of this medical condition if you are taking the medication. Stay aware for any signs of persistent nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort while taking the medication. If you find yourself experiencing symptoms of gastroparesis, consult with your doctor as soon as possible to discuss symptoms and alternative treatment options.
Visual Effects Caused by Antimalarial Medication
Some antimalarial medications have been linked to unexpected visual effects. Medications containing chloroquine or mefloquine have had a higher reported rate of incidents than others. These disturbances can vary in intensity and effect, potentially including:
- Blurry vision
- Light sensitivity
- Seeing halos
- Bright flashes
- Hallucinations or vivid dreams
The severity of these visual effects depends on the medication used, dosage, and individual risk factors. In most cases, these effects are temporary and are resolved once the medication is stopped. Even so, these changes in vision can be incredibly frightening and challenging to deal with. If you experience any visual changes while taking antimalarial medication, speak to your doctor right away to determine the cause of the issue and determine if continued use of the medication is safe.
Skin Discoloration Caused by Antipsychotic Medication
Long-term use (usually over two years) of certain antipsychotic medications can cause a rare side effect known as medication-induced ochronosis. Patients who have this medical condition experience a blue-gray discoloration of the skin. In most cases, areas of skin exposed to direct sunlight are affected, particularly the face, neck, hands, and forearms.
Deposits of a pigment called lipofuscin in the skin cause the discoloration connected with ochronosis. The exact reason for this remains unknown, but it’s important to contact your doctor or a dermatologist right away if you notice changes in your skin color while taking medication. They can assess the severity of your condition, determine if the medication dosage needs to be adjusted, and recommend alternative treatment options if necessary. Discoloration may fade slowly after stopping the medication in some cases, but the change can also be permanent.
Why Do Unusual Side Effects Occur?
Several factors contribute to unexpected side effects of prescription medication. Individual variations in metabolism, genetics, and overall physiology can influence how each person reacts to any given medication. Some people are genetically predisposed to experiencing specific side effects that others may have little-to-no risk of. There is also the chance of certain medical conditions making people more likely to experience specific effects. Discuss any pre-existing health conditions with a doctor before beginning a new prescription.
In some cases, medications may react with one another, triggering unusual and potentially problematic side effects. If you take more than one prescription medication, it’s absolutely essential to inform your doctor about all of them to ensure they do not accidentally prescribe a drug that will interact with your existing treatments. In some cases, the risk of a reaction can be mitigated by effective dosage adjustments.
The Importance of Communication & Monitoring
If you experience any unusual side effects while taking medication, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical assistance. When you report your symptoms quickly and accurately, you can help your doctor determine the cause of the effects and recommend an effective course of action. In some cases, the solution to what you’re experiencing can be as simple as adjusting the dosage or switching medications.
It’s also important to monitor your health closely while taking any new medication. Make sure your doctor explains the signs of common side effects of the medication, but also watch for any unexpected changes in your health. You may find it useful to keep a medication diary to track how you feel and what side effects you experience. This can also prove helpful for your doctor, as it gives them detailed notes to work with as they diagnose the cause of your medical issues.
We hope this article helps you stay safe when you next start a new prescription treatment!
Beth is Cloudmineinc’s senior health editor and a certified personal trainer. She has over 10 years experience as a science journalist and is the author of two books. She deadlifts over 315 lbs.