Doctors know which prescription and over-the-counter drugs are the most dangerous. The writer of this article asked them the question, “Which medication would you skip?” Here is their answer:
Advair
It’s asthma medication that can make your asthma deadly. Advair contains a long-acting salmeterol beta-agonist (LABA). A 2006 analysis found that regular use of LABAs may increase the severity of an asthma attack. Researchers estimate that salmeterol may contribute to about 5,000 asthma-related deaths in the United States each year.
Avandi
Diabetes on its own is destructive, but if you try to control it with the drug rosiglitazone, also known as Avandia, it can cause a heart attack. One study found that people who took rosiglitazone for at least a year increased their risk of heart failure or heart attack by 109% and 42%, respectively.
Celebrex
This pain reliever has been linked to an increased risk of stomach bleeding, kidney problems, and liver damage. And according to a 2005 study, people who took 200 mg of Celebrex twice a day doubled their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Those taking 400 mg twice a day tripled their risk.
Ketek
This antibiotic, often prescribed for respiratory infections, carries a high risk of serious liver side effects. In February 2007, the FDA restricted the use of Ketek to the treatment of pneumonia.
Prilosec and Nexium
The FDA has investigated a suspicious link between heart problems and these acid reflux remedies, although they have not found a “probable” link. But whether this is true or not, they can increase the risk of pneumonia and lead to a higher risk of bone loss. The risk of fracture is estimated to be 40% higher in patients taking these drugs long-term.
Visine Original
These eye drops “remove redness” by shrinking blood vessels. Overuse of the active ingredient tetrahydrozoline can prolong the vasoconstriction and dilation cycle and may cause more redness.
Pseudoephedrine
This decongestant, found in many medications, can raise blood pressure and heart rate, setting the stage for a stroke. Over the years, pseudoephedrine has been linked to heart attacks and strokes, as well as worsening symptoms of prostate disease and glaucoma.
