Medication: What You Need to Know About Safety and Side Effects

Every time you pick up a prescription or an over‑the‑counter pill, you’re making a health decision. In India, the market is huge and not always clear about hidden dangers. Knowing the basics can stop problems before they start.

First, always check the active ingredient. Two brands may claim the same effect but contain different fillers or preservatives that can trigger reactions. A quick glance at the label saves you from surprise symptoms later.

Common Medication Risks in India

Many Indian medicines include additives that aren’t listed on the front pack. These can cause allergic reactions, stomach upset, or even affect kidney function. For example, some painkillers mix NSAIDs with steroids, raising bleed risk if you already have a heart condition.

Another frequent issue is dose confusion. Tablets often come in 250 mg, 500 mg, or 1 g strengths, and a mix‑up can double the dose. Keep a notebook or phone note of the exact strength you’re supposed to take.

Counterfeit drugs also circulate in some regions. If a pill looks off‑color, crumbles, or tastes strange, stop using it and report it to local authorities. Authentic pharmacies usually have a seal or QR code to verify the product.

How to Choose Safer Medicines

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about each medication’s possible side effects. Ask which foods or other drugs might interact. Simple questions like “Will this affect my blood pressure?” can prevent serious issues.

Read the patient information leaflet in your language. It often lists the most common side effects and warnings. If the leaflet isn’t in English or Hindi, request a copy you can understand.

When possible, prefer medicines that have been approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Those approvals mean the drug passed safety checks specific to the Indian market.

Finally, store medicines properly. Heat, humidity, and light can degrade a drug’s effectiveness. Keep them in a cool, dry place and discard anything past its expiry date.

Staying aware of what you put into your body isn’t hard. A few minutes of checking labels, asking questions, and following storage tips can keep you safe and healthy. Use this guide as a quick reference each time you reach for a medication.