Topic 8: Understanding Side Effects and Interactions

Topic 8: Understanding Side Effects and Interactions

One of your key responsibilities includes being vigilant about the side effects and interactions of medications. Understanding these can help in early identification of issues and ensure timely intervention, thereby safeguarding the health of your clients.

Key Terminology in Medication Management

  • Adverse reaction (ADR): This term refers to any unintended, negative response to a normal dose of medication. These effects can range from mild to severe and may occur alongside the intended response (Government of Canada 2023).
  • Drug Interaction: This occurs when the effect of a medication is changed due to the presence of another drug, food, or substance. Interactions can enhance or diminish the effectiveness of the medication, or cause unexpected side effects (WebMD n.d.).

Addressing Side Effects and Interactions

  1. Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with the common side effects of medications clients are taking. Information can typically be found in the medication guide or can be provided by a pharmacist.
  2. Monitor Closely: Keep a close watch on your clients, especially when they start a new medication or when their medication regime changes.
  3. Communication is Key: Encourage your clients to communicate any changes they notice, no matter how small, after starting a new medication or changes in doses.

Responding to Unexpected Side Effects

In case a client experiences an unexpected side effect:

  1. Report Immediately: Report the incident to your appropriate manager or designate immediately. Your appropriate manager or designate may advise if you need to contact other health care providers.
  2. Record Details: Complete an incident report in accordance with policy and procedure. Provide a summary of the incident, describe what happened prior to the incident, describe the incident, and the actions taken.
  3. Provide Support: Ensure the client is safe and comfortable. Monitor them closely and provide necessary assistance until additional support arrives or the side effect subsides.

Handling Drug Interactions

If a negative drug interaction is suspected – Your response will be similar to responding to side effects:

  1. Report Immediately: Report the incident to your appropriate manager or designate immediately. Your appropriate manager or designate may advise if you need to contact other health care providers. Drug interactions may cause serious health problems.
  2. Record Details: Complete an incident report in accordance with policy and procedure. Provide a summary of the incident, describe what happened prior to the incident, describe the incident, and the actions taken.
  3. Provide Support: Ensure the client is safe and comfortable. Monitor them closely and provide necessary assistance until additional support arrives or more information is obtained.

Scenario-Based Example: Dizziness After Medication

Imagine a client starts experiencing dizziness after taking a new medication. Here’s how you should respond:

  1. Immediate Action: Ensure the client is seated or lying down to prevent falls. Monitor their condition closely.
  2. Review Medications: Check for any other medications or supplements the client is taking that might interact with the new medication.
  3. Report and Consult: Report the incident to your appropriate manager or designate immediately. Your appropriate manager or designate may advise if you need to contact other health care providers.
  4. Document Everything: Complete an incident report in accordance with policy and procedure.

Conclusion

Being aware and responsive to side effects and drug interactions is an important part of medication management in your role as a support worker. Your approach and actions can significantly contribute to the health and safety of your clients.

References

Government of Canada (December 18, 2023), Food and Drug Regulations (C.R.C., c. 870), retrieved from https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/C.R.C.,_c._870/section-C.05.001.html
WebMD (n.d.), Drugs Interaction Checker, retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/interaction-checker/default.htm