Healthcare professional symptoms and conditions

My son (now 6) was put on Singulair at 8 months old for asthma and has been o it since. He has never had an appetite and is quite underweight. He complains of stomach pains and headaches daily. At age 4 he was sent to a pediatric GI and neurologist and any brain or gastro issues were ruled out. No one could figure out what was wrong. He has sensory issues and just recently was referred to a psychiatrist for occupational therapy. It was at this appointment that it was suggested that the Singulair is responsible and since he has been on it for the majority of his life we were unable to make the connection. He has been off of it for 2 weeks now and has not complained of headaches or stomach pain at all. His eating habits are slightly better, but not great. Hopefully his appetite will improve over time. I wish we had only known sooner. I feel like such a terrible mother!

I have an appointment to get the Mirena put in next Wednesday, but reading all these side effects that some of you have had, I don't think I'm going to get it. I am proned to yeast infections and uti's especially. Anyway, I went to the Mirena website and I found this at the bottom. Maybe you all could write or call this number to tell them about the negative side effects that you're having.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT MIRENA®:
Only you and your healthcare professional can decide if Mirena is right for you. Mirena does not protect against HIV or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Candidates for Mirena have had a child. Mirena is not appropriate for women who are or may be pregnant; or who may have a distorted uterine cavity; acute genital infections including pelvic inflammatory disease; cancer of the cervix, uterus, or breasts; unexplained vaginal bleeding; or acute liver disease or tumors (benign or malignant). In rare cases, perforation or embedment may occur. Mirena may become completely or partially dislodged. In the rare event you think you're pregnant, contact your healthcare professional without delay to be evaluated for ectopic pregnancy. Ovarian cysts may occur and typically disappear. Persistent cysts should be evaluated. Missing periods or irregular bleeding is common in the first few months, followed by shorter, lighter periods.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

I am a female and was diagnosed with Hashimoto's three years ago (looking at old childhood photos I've probably had this all my life) and have taken Levoxyl and Synthroid in escalating doses over time. Initially 25mcg for about a year and that was the endo plan until bloodwork indicated a need for more. I quit taking it after a year as it seemed I was gaining weight. After a few months went to a different endo and he started the treatment again with 25 (I weighed 160 at the time) and now has worked it to 100mcg (I now weigh 178!!!). I thought that with the higher dose I would have more of a weight loss effect (definitely not weight gain) and thought I'd have more energy, better brain function and happier outlook. I am experiencing the complete opposite. The last time I visited the endo and he looked at my weight gain he just said to "stop it". I work out almost every day for 45 minutes to 2 hours, have a job that at times requires arduous work, I eat a very healthy diet full of fiber, low in fat, low in carbs. I'm always hungry and feel like eating to make up for a lack of energy. I come home from work exhausted. This isn't living. I've had it with the Synthroid and any form of T-4 alone. I'm going to see a natural healthcare professional to try Armour because none of the medical doctors I've seen will prescribe it or synthetic T-3.

I had my Mirena put in about 7 months ago, since then i have been getting sicker and sicker. I was just diagnosed with hypothyroidism in June, but my TSH level is almost back to normal now and I still feeling so ill. I have gained 15 pounds, feel very emotionally unstable, I'm moody, fatigued, have constant joint and muscle pain! I am so depressed and no matter what i do I just can't feel better! I just want to die! My husband had a hunch that it could be the IUD causing this all and started researching it. He found this website and read to me what everyone had said. I was shocked! I'm a nurse so i got off the phone with him and removed it myself, which I do not recommend if you are not a health care professional. I'm sure it's just in my head, but I feel better already! I hope that all of my symptoms resolve now, but either way that is one less thing that could be causing my symptoms. I hope this helps others and let me know if you also had joint and muscle pain! Thanks and GOOD LUCK to you all!

Pam

I was prescribed Simvastatin four days ago, against my wishes, as I had heard about the side effects of muscle pain and numbness in the joints and feet. However, what I had not expected were the terrible nightmarish dreams that followed. On the fourth night I stopped taking Simvastin as I was literally too afraid to go to sleep.
I then slept fitfully but did not experience the vivid and disturbing dreams of the previous three nights.
I shall ask my doctor for alternative medication. If she cannot offer me anything other than statins, I shall stick to Benecol and research further!

Jacqui M.

As a retired Healthcare Professional, like you I almost died from a statin overdose. If you’re a U.S. resident or Canadian resident, I would encourage patients/consumers to send their complaint/statin adverse reaction report to the web sites listed below. Also, if your physician is unresponsive to your negative experience from any statin, inform him/her that you refuse to continue with this drug, and have sent an adverse reaction complaint to the FDA/Canadian equivalent. Provide both your doctor and pharmacy with a copy of the completed FDA Form 3500, if you’re a U.S. resident, so they (medical community) know you're serious (see my recent postings of July 20 and July 25, 2008). In addition, I would bring to the attention of your physician the following clinical experience of Dr Peter H. Langsjoen, MD, FAAC, a Blue Ribbon Cardiologist: “Over the past five years, statins have become more potent, are being prescribed in higher doses, and are being used with reckless abandon in the elderly and in patients with "normal" cholesterol levels. We are in the midst of a CHF (Congestive Heart Failure) epidemic in the US with a dramatic increase over the past decade. Are we causing this epidemic through our zealous use of statins? In large part I think the answer is yes. We are now in a position to witness the unfolding of the greatest medical tragedy of all time - never before in history has the medical establishment knowingly (Merck & Co., Inc. has two 1990 patents combining CoQ10 with statins to prevent CoQ10 depletion and attendant side effects) created a life threatening nutrient deficiency in millions of otherwise healthy people, only to then sit back with arrogance and horrific irresponsibility and watch to see what happens - as I see two to three new statin cardiomyopathies per week in my practice, I cannot help but view my once great profession with a mixture of sorrow and contempt.” Finally, I hope you find, as I did the following newsletters/medical information helpful:
http://www.vitacost.com/newsletter/newsletter.cfm?nl=189

http://www.vitacost.com/newsletter/newsletter.cfm?nl=234

http://www.vitacost.com/newsletter/newsletter.cfm?nl=370
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S.A.
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/problem.html
CANADA
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/alt_formats/hpfb-dgpsa/pdf/compli-conform/gui-44_consumer_complaint-plainte_consommateur-eng.pdf
Contact Name: Drug Compliance Verification and Investigation Unit
Tel: (613) 952-9906
Fax: (613) 954-0941
E-Mail: DCVIU_UVCEM@hc-sc.gc.ca

As a retired Healthcare Professional, like you I almost died from a statin overdose. If you’re a U.S. resident (FDA Form 3500) or Canadian resident, I would encourage patients/consumers to send their complaint/statin adverse reaction report to the web sites listed below. Also, if your physician is unresponsive to your negative experience from any statin, inform him/her that you refuse to continue with this drug, and have sent an adverse reaction complaint to the FDA/Canadian equivalent. Provide both your doctor and pharmacy with a copy of the FDA Form 3500, if you’re a U.S. resident, so they (medical community) know you're serious (see my recent postings of July 20 and July 25, 2008). In addition, I would bring to the attention of your physician the following clinical experience in quotes of Dr Peter H. Langsjoen, MD, FAAC, a Blue Ribbon Cardiologist: “Over the past five years, statins have become more potent, are being prescribed in higher doses, and are being used with reckless abandon in the elderly and in patients with "normal" cholesterol levels. We are in the midst of a CHF epidemic in the US with a dramatic increase over the past decade. Are we causing this epidemic through our zealous use of statins? In large part I think the answer is yes. We are now in a position to witness the unfolding of the greatest medical tragedy of all time - never before in history has the medical establishment knowingly (Merck & Co., Inc. has two 1990 patents combining CoQ10 with statins to prevent CoQ10 depletion and attendant side effects) created a life threatening nutrient deficiency in millions of otherwise healthy people, only to then sit back with arrogance and horrific irresponsibility and watch to see what happens - as I see two to three new statin cardiomyopathies per week in my practice, I cannot help but view my once great profession with a mixture of sorrow and contempt.” Finally, I hope you find, as I did the following newsletters/medical information helpful:
http://www.vitacost.com/newsletter/newsletter.cfm?nl=189

http://www.vitacost.com/newsletter/newsletter.cfm?nl=234

http://www.vitacost.com/newsletter/newsletter.cfm?nl=370
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S.A.
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/problem.html
CANADA
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/alt_formats/hpfb-dgpsa/pdf/compli-conform/gui-44_consumer_complaint-plainte_consommateur-eng.pdf
Contact Name: Drug Compliance Verification and Investigation Unit
Tel: (613) 952-9906
Fax: (613) 954-0941
E-Mail: DCVIU_UVCEM@hc-sc.gc.ca

I took Avelox for the 1st time 3 days ago for a sinus infection. After the 1st pill I began sneezing uncontrollably. I didn't sleep a wink that night. I took my 2nd and 3rd dose the next few days and literally had not slept for 3 days straight-total INSOMNIA. My hands and legs felt so tingly I had no idea what was happening. I felt faint. Then my mouth became so dry. I couldn't breathe-all I kept thinking was my throat was closing up. It was horrible. My teeth hurt, my lips were swollen and dry,my vision was blurry,vomiting,loose stool.... My eyes were sore and swollen and I had no idea I was having an allergic reaction to the Avelox. Today is the 1st day I haven't taken a dose and I'm still feeling funky. Tight chest and blurred vision bad.I am severely fatigued. I just wonder how long this medicine stays in your system.

Ambien®

Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

Uses
Ambien medication is used to treat insomnia (sleeping disorders).

How to Use
Take Ambien medication by mouth immediately before bedtime on an empty stomach or as directed. This medication is usually taken for short periods of 7 to 10 days. Take this exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the dose or take this for longer than prescribed.

Side Effects
Daytime drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, lightheadedness, and dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop any of these serious side effects while taking this medication: chest pain, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, skin rash, fever, behavior changes, mental confusion, abnormal thinking, depression. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also avoid intake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate these effects. Ambien medication causes drowsiness, use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, drug dependency, depression, breathing problems, any allergies. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of this medication are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: any medication for depression or seizures, narcotic pain relievers, sedatives. Avoid the use of alcohol while taking this medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include difficulty breathing, clumsiness, slowed heart rate, and deep sleep from which you cannot be awakened.

Notes
Elderly persons are usually more sensitive to the effects of this medication. Use cautiously. You may experience sleeping difficulties on the first night after stopping this medication. Be aware of this effect. If the problem continues, contact your doctor.

Missed Dose
Take your Ambien dose at or near bedtime. If you miss a dose, do not take it if it is near the time for your next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage
Store Ambien at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.

This is my first time taking a BC and in my third month of yasmin. I've noticed that im tired/irritable/lack of energy all the time. Keep in mind I used to go to the gym 4-5 times a week. I dont even have the energy to go anymore. Also I have nightsweats, and i've never experienced that before. In the past I was always cold.Im thinking about finishing this month and im out. I dont think its worth it. I am a healthcare professional and Im concerned about long term effects of birth controls. Im happy that I found this site and now I know that im not going crazy.

I am in tears...I don't know why I started looking into this just today...but my thoughts were "I just can't take it anymore!". There was something wrong, but what???
I am a healthcare professional, and I have prescribed this same medicine for my patients. I know everyone responds differently to a medication, especially OCPs, but for those of you who are angry at your providers for suggesting this...understand that we are not notified of these frequent side effects in the literature. They are all mentioned as "rarely....".
I started taking Yasmin about 2 years ago after Levlen caused my hair to fall out, loss of 20lbs (sick), heart palpitations, migraine, etc.
SO, switch to Yasmin...felt ok, lost some weight...
I have always had some depression/pms, etc. but nothing like the way I am now...it's as if all these things have crept up over the 2 years! After reading all these posts...I wonder...
I am happily engaged...but NO SEX DRIVE at all...NONE! That must be how it works...you can't get prego if you don't have sex right? My mood has been SO flat. Flat and down I should correct it to be! Tearfulness, hoplessness, and unbelievable irritability. I've turned from "the nicest person he's even known" into a "crazy B@#$". And I know it! And I hate it! I sometimes feel like I don't have control of myself...I can't stop myself from saying something I know I shouldn't. Headaches...yep...severe neck pain (actually that's probably due to a herniated disc I just found out), bloating, fat hips/thighs that were never there. As others have said, I am 28 years old and I feel like I'm 70!
I work, I come home, I fall asleep...I wake up with insomnia and anxiety, chest pains, shortness of breath, leg cramps, tingling in my arms, blurry vision (just got glasses only 2 years after having Lasik), and a spaced out feeling. My cramps are better, but the periods, just as long and heavy. I feel like an alien!! How can this be ME? AND THIS IS A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF A HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL! We're just as far in the dark as you all! Now THAT is unnerving!
I am at the end of my pack, and will never take another Yasmin. I am considering the ortho-cyclen since it has a lower level of progestin...anyone have experience with that one? I had been on most of the others in the past.
Thank you all for your honesty. I will be contacting my patients to follow up with them to make sure they are doing ok, and to change their meds if need be.

What are possible side effects of LEVAQUIN?
LEVAQUIN is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects caused by LEVAQUIN, which are usually mild, include nausea, diarrhea, itching, abdominal pain, dizziness, flatulence, rash and vaginitis in women.

You should be careful about driving or operating machinery until you are sure LEVAQUIN is not causing dizziness.

Allergic reactions have been reported in patients receiving quinolones including LEVAQUIN, even after just one dose. If you develop hives, skin rash or other symptoms of an allergic reaction, you should stop taking this medication and call your healthcare professional.

Ruptures of the shoulder, hand, or Achilles tendons have been reported in patients receiving quinolones, including LEVAQUIN. If you develop pain, swelling, or rupture of a tendon you should stop taking LEVAQUIN and contact your healthcare professional.

Some quinolone antibiotics have been associated with the development of phototoxicity ("sunburns" and "blistering sunburns") following exposure to sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet light such as artificial ultraviolet light used in tanning salons. LEVAQUIN has been infrequently associated with phototoxicity. You should avoid excessive exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light while you are taking LEVAQUIN.

If you have diabetes and you develop a hypoglycemic reaction while on LEVAQUIN, you should stop taking LEVAQUIN and call your healthcare professional.

Convulsions have been reported in patients receiving quinolone antibiotics including LEVAQUIN. If you have experienced convulsions in the past, be sure to let your physician know that you have a history of convulsions.

Quinolones, including LEVAQUIN, may also cause central nervous system stimulation which may lead to tremors, restlessness, anxiety, lightheadedness, confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, depression, nightmares, insomnia, and, rarely, suicidal thoughts or acts.

If you notice any side effects not mentioned here or you have concerns about the side effects you are experiencing, please inform your healthcare professional.

For more complete information regarding levofloxacin, please refer to the full prescribing information, which may be obtained from your healthcare professional, pharmacist, or the Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR).

I am a registered nurse in an emergency room. In an effort to be taken seriously regarding your pain,by a healthcare professional - keep a pain journal. Note the time, the severity (on a 1 to 10 scale), location, duration, what you were doing when it started, any treatment you completed for the pain and the outcome of that treatment, MD visits and treatment, etc. It can just be a little notebook. Bring that with you to your MD appointment. If you start changing doctor's, visiting different clinics and emergency rooms to obtain the "correct" medication for your pain - you are addicted, and need to seek help for that. Of course you should seek second opinions on your continued pain, just don't expect to always get the specific medicationn that you would like. Yes, healthcare professionals scrutinize closely people who come in requesting Vicodin, or any other narcotic. The drug-seekers in the community have forced us to be more suspicious - especially if you say you have been on Vicodin (or any other narcotic) for 6 months(???!!!)
No-one should be on narcotics for extended periods of time. If you are taking them for longer than a couple of weeks, on a pretty scheduled basis - you are addicted. Period. Narcotics have different levels given to them for dependency issues. Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen (Vicodin), Demerol, Morphine, Valium - are all at a pretty high addiction rate. Tramadol is at the lower range.
I am amazed at the number of people who are having a paradoxical effect to Ultracet. It is a narcotic - a "downer". There might be more than just that specific medication causing the euphoric effects. Perhaps a pain journal would also clarify this.
I am not a physician, but an experienced ER RN - take my advice for what it is worth.