PMR patient leaflet

[teesher]

Something occurred to me today as I opened a box of Pred tablets and discarded the Patient Information Leaflet. I wondered how many of us check these leaflets for updates. I've been on Pred for 3.5 years and the last time I read the leaflet was the first time I took the tablets. I guess the pharmacists can't keep up with all the changes so it's up to us patients to periodically re-read the leaflet. I bet it's just me who doesn't keep up...

[Hidden]

I think about once a year for me. I have a box that has a copy of the pil of all the meds I take so once a year I go through it to see what's there and if it's been updated. I do look at them if I need info as easier to manipulate than my phone but I also double check online. I do take 13 to 15 different meds so I need a reminder of which does what!!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Who's saying the manufacturers update conscientiously!!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

At least you have read them, I bet there’s a lot who haven’t! In fact from the questions on here at times, you know they haven’t! 😳

Yes we should read them periodically, but as you say most probably just read initially.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to DorsetLady]

If at all!!!!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to PMRpro]

Unlike me I know ..... but I was trying to be polite!🤦🏻‍♀️

[Hidden]

Actually, periodically l do l have a scan of the leaflet & read new Med Leaflets thoroughly. I used to print out PIL’s (Patient Information Leaflets) & tended to read them while they were printing, it’s amazing what you can pick up 😉

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

I tend to go online - saves asking for a German language one as they come in Italian here ...

[Hidden]

I used to avoid reading them in case being aware of the side effects would cause me to focus on them too much.

I now know its important to have a read through to mitigate any possible risk that has been overlooked in error by the prescribing professional or neglected to have been mentioned by the patient!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

Lots of doctors actually TELL patients not to read them - fearing they will imagine side effects. OTOH - forgetting there are potentially life-threatening possibilities they didn;t mention and the patient doesn't know about ...

[Hidden in reply to PMRpro]

...a risky business!

[piglette]

At least you have read the leaflet. I should imagine you are probably in the minority, although I may be wrong!

[Grants148]

The trouble is we need to take them ,whatever nasty side effects are mentioned in the leaflet .

[HamishPMR]

The pharmacist does keep up to date because he will log you into your file before printing the label. This notifies him of any contra indications. The trouble with the patient leaflets is that the drug manufacturers, to avoid litigation, include every possible side effect. Personally I think these leaflets cause a lot of unnecessary worry for patients.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to HamishPMR]

I think you may be a tad naive. I have seen doctors override notices of interactions and personally spent 9 months on crutches because both a GP and my regular pharmacy failed to link the fact I was taking methyl prednisolone with the script for a fluoroquinoline. I've also never had a data sheet with my medication that listed ALL the adverse effects found in clinical trials and in post marketing reporting. The only place you find that is in the online data sheet with EVERYTHING on - often several pages in length.

[Constance13]

Same here! Read it 7 1/2 years ago - never since!😂😂