Most patients are admitted to the hospital expecting to be treated for a specified condition or illness. They’re medicated, given a clean bill of health, and sent on their way.
In theory, this should be the case if the malady is curable. It’s just that sometimes the results aren’t as cut-and-dry. What if the remedy meant to heal has no effect at all and instead causes a chain reaction of side effects?
It’s a scary thought. Thinking you’ll get better soon, only to face another uphill battle. The emotional tug of war inside you is normal. The question is, how do you deal with it without letting it consume you?
Be Your Own Advocate
Don’t overstep boundaries. Doctors know what they’re doing. Oh, and our personal favorite, don’t be a Karen. These are words meant to prevent you from speaking up for yourself.
Firstly, your physician won’t know about your side effects if you don’t tell them. Secondly, you have agency over your body. Respect it because it’s the only one you have.
Lastly, research the possible side effects of your treatment, and if they correlate with your symptoms, let your medical team know immediately. The National Library of Medicine is a good place to start. It has a comprehensive database of medication side effects.
Taking the Legal Route
Let us explain this with an example. Patients across the U.S. have filed lawsuits against drug manufacturers Sanofi and Regeneron. Legal experts are watching the Dupixent lawsuits, hopeful for a positive outcome.
Dupixent (dupilumab) is a biologic medication designed to treat severe asthma and nasal polyps. However, Dupixent users alleged that the prescription drug may be linked to rare blood cancers such as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).
Patients claim that the manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings, according to TorHoerman Law. And now they are demanding that the law take its course.
Anger is probably your go-to emotion, and you want those responsible to be accountable. If that means filing a civil case, so be it. An airtight case is worth fighting for. Get yourself a personal injury attorney who specializes in medical malpractice or defective drug law.
The Psychological Factor
Certain medications do impact mood, increasing the risk of depression or suicidal thoughts. Experts call this substance-induced mood disorders or drug-induced depression.
But there’s widespread debate on the issue. As per MedicalNewsToday, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) can’t be certain how common the condition is.
A previous study published in the JAMA Network discovered that depression was more common in patients who took more than one medication that listed it as a side effect. The findings weren’t conclusive, as most cohorts had a higher risk of chronic health problems, which logically increased the chances of depression.
Do You
Things can go one of two ways. Either you stew in your solitude and emotional pain until it dictates the rest of your day. Or, you choose to confront your mental state and own it.
Nobody is asking you to be a martyr. And no one is asking you to be strong. This is the time you can unapologetically put yourself first.
Mayo Clinic suggests physical activity or exercise, such as walking. If you’re experiencing insomnia, ask your doctor about prescribing a sedative. Practice taking deep breaths to relax your body, or take up yoga.
The last thing you want is to take more drugs to counter your side effects, so consider talking to a counselor or therapist. They can teach you coping mechanisms on how to manage the symptoms.
Also, stay connected to your close family and friends. Isolating yourself is not the answer, and sometimes talking about your troubles can be a therapeutic release.
Join a support group. Knowing that others are on the same journey makes you feel part of a community.
AI is the new Guinea Pig
Who knows? Soon, side effects from medical treatments could be a thing of the past.
The UK’s NHS is currently running three consecutive projects headed up by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). One study aims to use AI and NHS data to predict drug side effects before they reach patients.
If the findings are successful, it could change how medicines and treatments are tested and approved. That means faster access for patients and heightened safety standards.
And, according to the British government, the study is a long time coming. Nature Reviews claims that about 9 in 10 promising drugs fall short in late development because early trials can’t predict how they’ll work in real patients.
Lean In, and Lean On
Remember, you’re not alone. Lean on your support network and talk to your doctor if something feels off.
Become acquainted with a certified counselor and don’t be afraid to say that you’re scared and anxious.
Most importantly, be gentle with yourself. Give yourself grace and allow your feelings to explode, no matter how messy.