Saturday, September 29, 2012

IATROGENICS

Iatrogenics - Death by Doctors
Dangers of Prescription Medications

If we value personal freedom and dignity, we should, in confronting the moral dilemmas of biology, genetics, and medicine, insist that the expert's allegiance to the agents and values he serves be made explicit and that the power inherent in his specialized knowledge and skill not be accepted as justification for his exercising specific controls over those lacking such knowledge and skill. ~ Thomas S. Szasz M.D.

Did you know that when a drug representative spends one minute with a doctor, the doctor's prescriptions for that drug increased 16 percent? With three minutes time with a drug rep their prescription rate for that particular drug rises to 52%. This report is from Adriane Fugh-Berman, M.D., who studies industry tactics. Source: Jan/Feb 2008 Vol. 40 AARP Bulletin - www.aarp.org/bulletin

Main Entry: iat·ro·gen·ic
Function: adjective
: induced inadvertently by a physician or surgeon or by medical treatment or diagnostic procedures. - Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary -

Table Of Iatrogenic Deaths In The United States
(Deaths induced inadvertently by a physician or surgeon or by medical treatment or diagnostic procedures)

ConditionDeathsCostAuthor
Adverse Drug Reactions 106,000$12 billionLazarou (1) Suh (49)
Medical error98,000 $2 billion IOM (6)
Bedsores115,000$55 billion Xakellis (7) Barczak (8)
Infection88,000$5 billionWeinstein (9) MMWR (10)
Malnutrition 108,800 Nurses Coalition (11)
Outpatients199,000$77 billionStarfield ( 12) Weingart (1, 12)
Unnecessary Procedures37,136 $122 billionHCUP(3, 13)
Surgery-Related 32,000 $9 billionAHRQ(85)
TOTAL783,936$282 billion

We could have an even higher death rate by using Dr. Lucien Leape's 1997 medical and drug error rate of 3 million. (14) Multiplied by the fatality rate of 14 percent (that Leape used in 1994 (16) we arrive at an annual death rate of 420,000 for drug errors and medical errors combined. If we put this number in place of Lazorou's 106,000 drug errors and the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) 98,000 medical errors, we could add another 216,000 deaths making a total of 999,936 deaths annually.

ADR/med error 420,000$200 billion Leape 1997(14)
TOTAL 999,936

Annual Unnecessary Medical Events

Unnecessary Events People Affected Iatrogenic Events
Hospitalization8.9 million(4) 1.78 million(16)
Procedures 7.5 million(3) 1.3 million(40)
TOTAL 16.4 million3.08 million

The enumerating of unnecessary medical events is very important in our analysis. Any medical procedure that is invasive and not necessary must be considered as part of the larger iatrogenic picture. Unfortunately, cause and effect go unmonitored. The figures on unnecessary events represent people ("patients") who are thrust into a dangerous health care system. They are helpless victims. Each one of these 16.4 million lives is being affected in a way that could have a fatal consequence. Simply entering a hospital could result in the following (out of 16. 4 million people):

  • 2.1 percent chance of a serious adverse drug reaction (186,000) (1)
  • 5 percent to 6 percent chance of acquiring a nosocomial [hospital] infection (489,500) (9)
  • 4 percent to 36 percent chance of having an iatrogenic injury in hospital (medical error and adverse drug reactions) (1.78 million) (16)
  • 17 percent chance of a procedure error (1.3 million) (40)

All the statistics above represent a one-year time span. Imagine the numbers over a 10-year period. Working with the most conservative figures from our statistics we project the following 10-year death rates.

Medical Intervention

Projected Ten-Year Death Rates
Condition10-Year Deaths
Adverse Drug Reaction 1.06 million
Medical error 0.98 million
Bedsores 1.15 million
Nosocomial Infection 0.88 million
Malnutrition 1.09 million
Outpatients 1.99 million
Unnecessary Procedures 371,360
Surgery-related 320,000
TOTAL 7,841,360 (7.8 million)

Our projected statistic of 7.8 million iatrogenic deaths is more than all the casualties from wars that America has fought in its entire history.

Our projected figures for unnecessary medical events occurring over a 10-year period are also dramatic.

Unnecessary Intervention

Projected Ten-Year Statistics
Unnecessary Events 10-Year NumberIatrogenic Events
Hospitalization89 million17 million
Procedures 75 million13 million
TOTAL 164 million30 million

These projected figures show that a total of 164 million people, approximately 56 percent of the population of the United States, have been treated unnecessarily by the medical industry—in other words, nearly 50,000 people per day.

Source: Leading Cause of Death

The untimely death of actor Heath Ledger recently in Jan of 2008, and since then many more, are examples of how dangerous prescription medications can be. Sometimes it may not be that one prescription drug is enough of a poison to the human body but when additional chemical drugs are added to the recipe, this can be fatal. As we learn more on the process and procedure by which these prescription drugs are being manufactured, marketed and prescribed to unknowing loved ones, it must raise the question of safety. Remember, Vioxx was also an FDA approved drug that killed over 60,000 of our friends and loved ones right here in the United States.  For more information on the leading cause of death and the largest contributor to the current health care crisis please visit: Leading Cause of Death

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

ALBUTEROL

Albuterol Side Effects - for the Professional

Albuterol

In clinical trials, the most frequent adverse reactions to Albuterol tablets were:
 Percent Incidence of Adverse Reactions
 

Reaction                                   Percent Incidence

Central nervous system
  Nervousness 20%
  Tremor 20%
  Headache 7%
  Sleeplessness 2%
  Weakness 2%
  Dizziness 2%
  Drowsiness <1%
  Restlessness <1%
  Irritability <1%
Cardiovascular
  Tachycardia 5%
  Palpitations 5%
  Chest discomfort <1%
  Flushing <1%
Musculoskeletal
  Muscle cramps 3%
Gastrointestinal
  Nausea 2%
Genitourinary
  Difficulty in micturition <1%
Rare cases of urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, and oropharyngeal edema have been reported after the use of Albuterol.
In addition, Albuterol, like other sympathomimetic agents, can cause adverse reactions such as hypertension, angina, vomiting, vertigo, central nervous system stimulation, unusual taste, and drying or irritation of the oropharynx.
The reactions are generally transient in nature, and it is usually not necessary to discontinue treatment with Albuterol tablets. In selected cases, however, dosage may be reduced temporarily; after the reaction has subsided, dosage should be increased in small increments to the optimal dosage.
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Albuterol Extended-release tablets

The adverse reactions to Albuterol are similar in nature to reactions to other sympathomimetic agents.
The most frequent adverse reactions to Albuterol are nervousness, tremor, headache, tachycardia, and palpitations.
Less frequent adverse reactions are muscle cramps, insomnia, nausea, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, flushing, restlessness, irritability, chest discomfort, and difficulty in micturition.
Rare cases of urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, and oropharyngeal edema have been reported after the use of Albuterol.
In addition, Albuterol, like other sympathomimetic agents, can cause adverse reactions such as hypertension, angina, vomiting, vertigo, central nervous system stimulation, unusual taste, and drying or irritation of the oropharynx.
In controlled clinical trials of adult patients conducted in the United States, the following incidence of adverse events was reported:

Albuterol Sulfate Extended-Release Tablets Theophylline Other Beta-Agonists Placebo
Event (n = 330) (n = 197) (n = 20) (n = 178)
Tremor 24.2% 6.1% 35% 1.1%
Headache 18.8% 26.9% 35% 20.8%
Nervousness 8.5% 5.1% 10% 2.8%
Nausea/Vomiting 4.2% 19.8% 5% 3.9%
Tachycardia 2.7% 0.5% 5% 0%
Muscle Cramps 2.7% 0.5% 5% 0.6%
Palpitations 2.4% 0.5% 0% 1.1%
Insomnia 2.4% 6.1% 0% 1.7%
Dizziness 1.5% 2% 0% 5.1%
Somnolence 0.3% 1% 0% 0.6%
A trend was observed among patients treated with Albuterol sulfate extended-release tablets toward increasing frequency of muscle cramps with increasing patient age (12 to 20 years, 1.2%; 21 to 30 years, 2.6%; 31 to 40 years, 6.9%; 41 to 50 years, 6.9%), compared with no such events in the placebo group. Also observed was an increasing frequency of tremor with increasing patient age (12 to 20 years, 29.4%; 21 to 30 years, 29.9%; 31 to 40 years, 27.6%; 41 to 50 years, 37.9%), compared to 2.9% or less in the placebo group.
The reactions are generally transient in nature, and it is usually not necessary to discontinue treatment with Albuterol sulfate extended-release tablets.
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Internal Bleeding Lawsuit
www.MedLawLegalTeam.com/PradaxaBlood thinning drugs linked to serious side effects. Get help now.
Twice Daily COPD Therapy
www.mycopd.comRead About a Treatment for COPD and Get The Therapy Facts!
Stages Of COPD
smartask.com/COPDSee The Stages Of COPD & Get Expert Advice On COPD Stages Today.

Side Effects by Body System - for Healthcare Professionals

General

Albuterol is generally well-tolerated and adverse effects seen are consistent with its pharmacological activity. In general, the severity of these adverse effects is dependent on the dose and route of administration. Administration by metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is associated with less systemic effects than administration of higher dosages orally or by nebulizer. Tolerance may develop to the adverse effects of albuterol.

Cardiovascular

Changes in heart rate of approximately 20% may be produced by 0.18 mg of albuterol by MDI. Aggravation of angina may be due to tachycardia produced by albuterol. Atrial fibrillation was reported in one patient when a spacer device was utilized with an albuterol inhaler, thus increasing the available dose for systemic absorption. Supraventricular ectopic beats and ventricular tachycardia have also been reported. Higher doses of albuterol should be used with caution in patients with cardiac disease, arrhythmias, or hypertension. All of these effects are dose-related and lower doses may be tolerated.
The cardiovascular side effects have included palpitations, peripheral vasodilatation and reflex tachycardia with blood pressure increasing or decreasing. Albuterol in higher dosages has been reported to aggravate angina, myocardial ischemia, or cause atrial or ventricular arrhythmias. Pulmonary edema has been reported in pregnant patients receiving intravenous albuterol. Postmarketing reports have included hypotension.

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects have included tremors, particularly at higher dosages. Tolerance can develop to the tremorogenic effects. Severe muscle cramping may occur infrequently.

Metabolic

Following doses of 15 mg albuterol via nebulizer, hyperkalemic patients on hemodialysis experienced a 0.9 mEq/L decrease in plasma potassium which was sustained for 6 hours. Albuterol may stimulate sodium-potassium ATPase, resulting in an intracellular shift of potassium.

Transient lactic acidosis has been reported after administration of inhaled albuterol for an asthma attack.
Metabolic side effects have included hypokalemia, and less commonly, hyperglycemia and lactic acidosis. Postmarketing reports have included metabolic acidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis has been reported due to overdose of albuterol.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included restlessness, anxiety, nervousness, irritability, and insomnia. Postmarketing reports have included tremor.

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects have included psychoses presenting as auditory hallucinations and persecutory delusions. These effects are generally associated with higher dosages.

Other

Concern over the development of tachyphylaxis to the bronchodilating effects of albuterol has been expressed. Although conflicting data exist, complete tolerance has not been reported.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included paradoxical bronchospasm.
Top

SOLU-MEDROL

Chemotherapy Drugs

Solu-Medrol ®

Generic name: Methylprednisolone
Other trade names: Duralone®, Medralone®, Medrol®, M-Prednisol®
Other names: 6-Methylprednisolone, Methylprednisolone Acetate, Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate
Medrol, Duralone, Medralone, M-Prednisol, and Solu-Medrol are all trade names for generic drug Methylprednisolone. 6-Methylprednisolone, Methylprednisolone Acetate, and Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate are other names for generic drug Methylprednisolone. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade names Medrol, Duralone, Medralone, M-Prednisol, and Solu-Medrol or other names 6-Methylprednisolone, Methylprednisolone Acetate, and Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate when referring to the generic drug name Methylprednisolone.
Drug type: Solu-Medrol has many uses in the treatment of cancer. Solu-Medrol is used most often as a supportive care medication. Solu-Medrol is classified as a glucocorticosteroid. (For more detail, see "How this drug works" section below).
What Solu-Medrol is used for:
  • As an anti-inflammatory medication.  Prednisolone relieves inflammation in various parts of the body. 
  • To treat or prevent allergic reactions.
  • As treatment of certain kinds of autoimmune diseases, skin conditions, asthma and other lung conditions.
  • As treatment for a variety of cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.  
  • To treat nausea and vomiting associated with some chemotherapy drugs.
  • Used to stimulate appetite in cancer patients with severe appetite problems. 
  • Also used to replace steroids in conditions of adrenal insufficiency (low production of needed steroids produced by the adrenal glands).
  • Used as prevention and treatment of graft-versus-host disease following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
Note:  If a drug has been approved for one use, physicians sometimes elect to use this same drug for other problems if they believe it might be helpful.
How Solu-Medrol is given:
  • This medication may be given to you in many forms. In a pill form, it is available in 2 mg, 4 mg, 8mg, 16mg, 24mg and 32 mg tablets. If you are on a daily dose of methylprednisolone, and you miss a dose, take the dose as soon as you remember. 
  • Take pills with food or after meals.  
  • This medication may also be given by injection into the muscle (intramuscular, IM) or into the vein (intravenously, IV), by a healthcare provider. 
  • The amount of hydrocortisone you will receive depends on many factors, including your height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the reason you are receiving this drug.  Your doctor will determine your exact dosage and schedule.
Side effects of Solu-Medrol:
Important things to remember about the side effects of methylprednisolone include:
  • Most people do not experience all of the side effects listed.
  • Side effects are often predictable in terms of their onset and duration. 
  • Side effects are almost always reversible and will go away after treatment is complete.
  • There are many options to help minimize or prevent side effects.
The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking Solu-Medrol:
  • Increased appetite
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
  • Swelling in your ankles and feet (fluid retention)
  • Nausea, take with food
  • Heartburn
  • Muscle weakness
  • Impaired wound healing
  • Increased blood sugar levels. (Persons with Diabetes may need to have blood sugar levels monitored more closely and possible adjustments to diabetes medications).
The following are less common side effects (occurring in 10 to 29%) for patients receiving Solu-Medrol:
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Mood swings
  • Cataracts and bone thinning (with long-term use)
This list includes common and less common side effects for individuals taking methylprednisolone.  Side effects that are very rare, occurring in less than 10% of patients, are not listed here.  However, you should always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
When to contact your doctor or health care provider:
Contact your health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience any of the following symptoms:
  • Fever of 100.5º F (38º C), chills (possible signs of infection)
  • If you feel an irregular or fast heart beat, shortness of breath, or chest or jaw pain, seek emergency help and notify your healthcare provider.
  • If you become suddenly confused.
The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not emergency situations.  Contact your health care provider within 24 hours of noticing any of the following:
  • Extreme fatigue (unable to carry on self-care activities)
  • Any unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Black or tarry stools, or blood in your stools or urine
  • Nausea (interferes with ability to eat and unrelieved with prescribed medications)
  • Vomiting (vomiting more than 4-5 times in a 24-hour period)
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness, feeling faint.
  • Persistent headache
  • Severe hot flashes or mood swings
  • Inability to sleep (insomnia)
  • Severe skeletal (bone) pain
  • Difficult or painful urination; increased urination, or severe thirst
  • Changes in vision, blurred vision, eye pain, enlarged pupils, discharge
  • Any new rashes or changes in your skin
  • Swelling of the feet or ankles.  Sudden weight gain (greater than 3 pounds a week)
  • Swelling, redness and/or pain in one leg or arm and not the other
Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Precautions:
  • Before starting methylprednisolone treatment, make sure you tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal remedies, etc.).  Do not take aspirin, or products containing aspirin unless your doctor specifically permits this.
  • Do not receive any kind of immunization or vaccination without your doctor's approval while taking methylprednisolone.
  • If you have been on methylprednisolone pills daily, for a long period of time, serious side effects may occur if you discontinue the medication abruptly. Do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your healthcare provider. Do not change the dose of methylprednisolone on your own.
  • Inform your health care professional if you are pregnant or may be pregnant prior to starting this treatment.  Pregnancy category C (use in pregnancy only when benefit to the mother outweighs risk to the fetus). 
  • For both men and women: Do not conceive a child (get pregnant) while taking methylprednisolone. Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, are recommended. Discuss with your doctor when you may safely become pregnant or conceive a child after therapy.
  • Do not breast feed while taking this medication.
Self Care Tips:
  • If you are on this medication for a long period of time, you may be more susceptible to infection. Wash your hands well, and report any symptoms of infection to your healthcare provider if noted.
  • In a pill form: Take this medication with food to lessen an upset stomach. Also take this medication early on in the day (before 12:00 noon, if possible), so you will be able to sleep better at night.
  • If you have diabetes, this medication may increase your blood sugar levels. Notify your healthcare provider that you are diabetic. You may need close monitoring.
  • Drink 2 to 3 quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you were told to restrict your fluid intake, and maintain good nutrition. 
  • To reduce nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small, frequent meals.
  • In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be avoided.  You should also limit caffeine intake (colas, tea, coffee and chocolate, especially). These beverages may irritate your stomach.
  • If you experience symptoms or side effects, especially if severe, be sure to discuss them with your health care team.  They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems.
Monitoring and testing:
You will be checked regularly by your health care professional while you are taking methylprednisolone, to monitor side effects and check your response to therapy.  Periodic blood work to monitor your complete blood count (CBC) as well as the function of other organs (such as your kidneys and liver) will also be ordered by your doctor.   
How Solu-Medrol works:

Corticosteroids are naturally produced by the adrenal gland in the body. Corticosteroids influence the functioning of most of the body's systems (heart, immune, muscles and bones, endocrine and nervous system).  They exert a wide array of effects including effects on the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fats.  They help to maintain balance of fluids and electrolytes.
Methylprednisolone is classified as a corticosteroid (more precisely a glucocorticosteroid), and has many uses in the treatment of cancer.
One way that it works is to decrease inflammation (swelling).  It does this by preventing infection- fighting white blood cells (polymorphonuclear leukocytes) from traveling to the area of swelling in your body. (This is why you are more prone to infection while taking steroids).  Taking advantage of the anti-inflammatory properties of the medication, corticosteroids are used to decrease the swelling around tumors.  For example, by decreasing swelling around tumors in the spine, brain, or bone, it can decrease the pressure of the tumor on nerve endings and relieve pain or other symptoms caused by the pressing tumor.
Another way this drug works is by altering the body's normal immune system responses.  Corticosteroids are used to treat certain conditions that effect the immune system such as aplastic anemia (AA), Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP), Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (TTP), or hemolytic anemia.
In addition, it is thought that corticosteroids may help in the treatment of patients with blood disorders, such as multiple myeloma.  Corticosteroids may work by causing programmed cell death (apoptosis) of certain cells, which may help to fight your disease.
Corticosteroids are also used in the short-term treatment of nausea caused by chemotherapy.  How it does this is not fully understood.  They also have been used to stimulate appetite for patients with severe appetite problems.
Corticosteroids are used to replace steroids in conditions of adrenal insufficiency (low production of needed steroids produced by the adrenal glands).
Note:  We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in this website is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice.

Source:  http://www.chemocare.com/bio/solumedrol.asp

 This medication is used to treat various conditions such as severe allergic reactions, arthritis, blood diseases, breathing problems, certain cancers, eye diseases, intestinal disorders, and skin diseases. It decreases your body's natural defensive response and reduces symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions. Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid hormone (glucocorticoid). This injectable form of methylprednisolone is used when a similar drug cannot be taken by mouth or when a very fast response is needed, especially in patients with severe medical conditions.

 Before using methylprednisolone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: current fungal infections.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: other infections (such as tuberculosis, threadworm), bleeding problems, blood clots, brittle bones (osteoporosis), high blood pressure, certain heart problems (such as congestive heart failure, recent heart attack), diabetes, certain eye diseases (such as cataracts, herpes infection, glaucoma), kidney disease, severe liver disease (cirrhosis), mental/mood conditions (such as psychosis, anxiety, depression), seizures, stomach/intestinal problems (such as diverticulitis, ulcer, ulcerative colitis), thyroid problems (both underactive and overactive conditions), untreated mineral problems (such as low potassium or calcium).
This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
This medication may mask signs of infection or put you at greater risk of developing very serious infections. Report to your doctor any injuries or signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat/cough/fever, pain during urination, muscle aches) that occur while using this medication or within 12 months after stopping it.
Using corticosteroid medications for a long time can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Therefore, before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past 12 months. Tell your doctor right away if you develop unusual/extreme tiredness or weight loss. If you will be using this medication for a long time, carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet that identifies your use of this medication.
Do not have immunizations, vaccinations, or skin tests unless specifically directed by your doctor. Live vaccines may cause serious problems (e.g., infection) if given while you are using this medication. Avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.
Avoid contact with people who have chickenpox or measles unless you have previously had these diseases (e.g., in childhood). If you are exposed to one of these infections and you have not previously had it, seek immediate medical attention.
If you have a history of ulcers, or if you take large doses of aspirin or other arthritis medication, limit alcoholic beverages while using this medication to decrease the risk of stomach/intestinal bleeding. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
If you have diabetes, this drug may increase your blood sugar levels. Check your blood glucose levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as increased thirst and urination. Your anti-diabetic medication or diet may need to be adjusted.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about ways to prevent bone loss.
This medication may slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. Consult the doctor or pharmacist for more details. See the doctor regularly so your child's height and growth can be checked.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. There have been rare reports of harm to an unborn baby when corticosteroids are used during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for an extended time may have low levels of corticosteroid hormone. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.

Source:  http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-6135-Solu-Medrol+Inj.aspx?drugid=6135&drugname=Solu-Medrol+Inj

 Solu-Medrol Side Effects - for the Professional

Solu-Medrol

Fluid and Electrolyte Disturbances
Sodium retention
Fluid retention
Congestive heart failure in susceptible patients
Potassium loss
Hypokalemic alkalosis
Hypertension
Musculoskeletal
Muscle weakness
Steroid myopathy
Loss of muscle mass
Severe arthralgia
Vertebral compression fractures
Aseptic necrosis of femoral and humeral heads
Pathologic fracture of long bones
Osteoporosis
Tendon rupture, particularly of the Achilles tendon
Gastrointestinal
Peptic ulcer with possible perforation and hemorrhage
Pancreatitis
Abdominal distention
Ulcerative esophagitis
Increases in alanine transaminase (ALT, SGPT), aspartate transaminase (AST, SGOT), and alkaline phosphatase have been observed following corticosteroid treatment. These changes are usually small, not associated with any clinical syndrome and are reversible upon discontinuation.
Dermatologic
Impaired wound healing
Thin fragile skin
Petechiae and ecchymoses
Facial erythema
Increased sweating
May suppress reactions to skin tests
Neurological
Increased intracranial pressure with papilledema (pseudo-tumor cerebri) usually after treatment
Convulsions
Vertigo
Headache
Endocrine
Development of Cushingoid state
Suppression of growth in children
Secondary adrenocortical and pituitary unresponsiveness, particularly in times of stress, as in trauma, surgery or illness
Menstrual irregularities
Decreased carbohydrate tolerance
Manifestations of latent diabetes mellitus
Increased requirements for insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents in diabetics
Ophthalmic
Posterior subcapsular cataracts
Increased intraocular pressure
Glaucoma
Exophthalmos
Metabolic
Negative nitrogen balance due to protein catabolism
The following additional adverse reactions are related to parenteral corticosteroid therapy:
Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
Subcutaneous and cutaneous atrophy
Sterile abscess
Anaphylactic reaction with or without circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest, bronchospasm
Urticaria
Nausea and vomiting
Cardiac arrhythmias; hypotension or hypertension

Source:  http://www.drugs.com/sfx/solu-medrol-side-effects.html

(seems to be quite a list of side-effects that are told to doctors.  Apparently they overlook these complications and possibilites)









Thursday, April 5, 2012

Buyer Beware

Have always said hindsight is 20/20 and Experience is the Evidence. This certainly rings true in the case of a recent 8 day experience while attending my Mother who was hospitalized there.

 Amazing things happened that exposed the true intent of the medical profession as a whole at this facility. Over time we will explain the entire situation and what was faced there.

 For now, due to lack of time and additional care and supervision for my mom needed since this ordeal, will keep this short.

 Just a word to the wise, PLEASE, never leave the patient alone there. Be sure there is a family advocate with the patient at all times possible. Ask questions, research side effects of drugs being administered and monitor daily care.

Staff there appear to be of the friendliest type, but remember, so are waitresses looking for the best tip. Just a word to the wise.