Health Condition

Prescribed Medication

Generic Brand

Amount

Frequency

Potential Side Effects

Anti-Rejection

Prednisone

5 Mg

1 x day/Morning

Lowers resistance to infections; euphoria, insomnia, personality changes, psychotic behaviour or severe depression. Long-term usage may cause fluid retention, high blood pressure, eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma, eye infections); also may cause a condition called Cushing’s Syndrome (weight gain, “moon-faced” appearance, brittle bones, muscle weakness, fragile skin.

Immuran

(now replaced by Cellcept

Azathioprine

500 Mg

2 x day/ Morning/Evening

Upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches; following are uncommon: mouth sores, cough, lack of energy, loss of appetite, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, yellowing of the skin or eyes, flu-like symptoms, rash, blurred vision, and  stomach pain.

Sandimmune

now replaced by Prograf))

Cyclosporine

3 Mg

2 x day/ Morning/Evening

High blood pressure, hirsutism (unusual growth of hair), kidney damage, tremors; may also include abdominal pain, cramping, convulsions, breathing difficulties, flushing , headache, liver damage, muscle/ bone/joint pain, nasal inflammation, nausea, vomiting, wheezing, numbness, diarrhea, coughing and flu-like symptoms.  

Heart

Lasix

Furosemide

40 Mg

Morning

Anemia, blood disorders, blurred vision, constipation,  cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, headache, hearing loss, itching, hives, excessive thirst, high blood sugar, low potassium,  loss of appetite, muscle spasms, ringing in ears, sensitivity to light, skin eruptions, nausea, rash vertigo, vomiting, yellow skin and eyes.

Lopressor

Metopolol

25 Mg

Morning and Evening

Depression, diarrhea, dizziness, itching, rash, shortness of breath, slow heartbeat and fatigue.

Pravachol

Pravastatin Sodium

20 Mg

Evening

Abdominal pain, chest pain, constipation, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, gas, headache, heartburn, inflammation of nasal passages, muscle aches or weakness, nausea, rash, stomach or intestinal discomfort, urinary problems, and vomiting.

Plavix

Clopidogrel Bisulphate

75 Mg

Morning

Abdominal pain, back pain, bruising and bleeding under the skin, chest pain, coughing, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, fluid retention and swelling, headache, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, indigestion, itching, joint pain, nausea, pain, rash, purple discoloration of skin, upper respiratory tract infection and urinary tract infection.   

Ecotin

Aspirin

325 Mg

Morning

Heartburn, nausea, possible formation of stomach ulcers and bleeding, stomach pain, stomach upset, possible blood in stool.

Diabetes

Insulin

Novolin

4-7 Units

Basal -.5/hr

After Each Meal/Snack

Allergic reactions include: Fast pulse, low blood pressure, perspiration, rash, shortness of breath, shallow breathing or wheezing. 

Prostate

Flomax

Tamsulosin

4 Mg

Evening

Abnormal ejaculation, back pain, chest pain, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, infection, nausea, runny nose, sinus problems, sleepiness, sore throat and weakness.

Bone Density

Vitamin D

Oscal

500 Mg

2 x day/ Morning/Evening

Nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, constipation, weakness, weight loss; also raise blood levels of calcium (causing mental status changes such as confusion and heart rhythm abnormalities).

Fosamax

Alendronate Sodium

70 Mg

1 x week

Abdominal pain, acid regurgitation, bone and joint pain, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, muscle pain, and nausea.

Gout

Zyloprim

Allopurinal

100 Mg

2 1/2x day/ Morning/Evening

Acute attacks of gout, diarrhea, nausea and rash.

Colchicine

0.6 Mg

Every other day

Long-term effects are toxicity leading to kidney and liver damage, hair loss, nerve inflammation, muscle disease and bone marrow damage.

Digestion

Miralex

Polyethylene Glycol

¼ capsule

Every 3^rd Day

Bloating, gas, cramps and nausea.

Acid Reflux

Prevacid

15 Mg

1 x Month

Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, headache, dizziness and nausea.