What signs should I look for when starting a new medicine or increasing the dose?
Anytime there are painful skin changes, such as a red rash, blisters, or mouth sores, or any unexplained swelling or trouble breathing you should tell a health care provider immediately. If you cannot reach your usual health care provider(s), go to the ER and ask to be evaluated for a “possible drug reaction”. Make sure you bring your medicine to the ER with you! You should also report the following: • Extreme sleepiness, confusion, unsteady walking or slurred speech (looking “drunk”) • Vomiting or severe decrease in appetite • Sudden worsening in seizures • Unexplained bleeding, bruising more than usual, blood oozing from gums, bloody or black stool or urine • Yellowing of the skin, eyes • High fever with a sore throat • An increased number of infections or illnesses • Severe muscle pain • Thoughts of suicide • If you suspect someone has accidentally taken too much medication, call 911 immediately. Keep all medicine out of reach of children and pets.
