Whether prescribed, over-the-counter or naturopathic, the medicines we take can have side effects – sometimes very serious side effects.
Watching an American ad for a pharmaceutical is a daunting experience with much of the ad describing the various risks. Recently acetaminophen was back in the news regarding possible liver damage when over-used. Other troubling stories arise such as an anti-malarial drug mefloquine causing psychosis in some individuals.
We know that new drugs go through extensive trials, that Heath Canada has a drug approval process, and that you should consult your physician and your pharmacist before using drug that is new to you, but sometimes new adverse reactions occur years after a drug has been introduced. What happens then?
At the next Philospher’s Cafe – 7 p.m. on Oct. 12 at Berwick by the Sea –Jennifer Coolen leads us into a discussion on drug safety and how we can reduce our risk. Jennifer started as a pharmacist in Nova Scotia, but moved to Campbell River three years later. Jennifer retired after a 35 year career. She has travelled the world and feels blessed to live in one of its most beautiful parts.
Once a month a speaker will introduce a theme to the Café, and then all who attend can join in respectful, non-partisan conversation, or just sit back and listen. You are welcome to propose topics and introduce them at future Cafés. Themes should be of broad interest, national significance, and have an element of controversy to them.
