Most laxatives are safe to take while breastfeeding, however you should still talk to your doctor before using them. People should follow a proper diet rich in fiber for helping the laxatives work more effectively. For the most part, medicine will remain safe to consume past its expiration date, however, there are some exceptions. If this goes on for too long it can be a medical emergency and it can even require surgery in some cases. Symptoms can last from 1 to 3 weeks, or occasionally longer, and include fluid retention, constipation, bloating, and temporary weight gain At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. The Do's and Don'ts of Treating Constipation. Medicines, like food products, have an expiration date on their packaging. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. In older adults, it should only be given during the time stipulated by the pediatrician according to age, weight, and the severity of constipation. Like the rectally administered laxatives, these oral laxatives can cause cramping and diarrhea. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It works by keeping water in the stool and intestines. So its helpful to know how long different laxatives take to work. Things to remember when you fill your prescription. Some medications, such as antibiotics and heart medications, can interact in a negative way with laxatives. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Types of laxatives Laxatives are grouped into four groups due to their action to treat constipation: We explain the differences in how long each type of laxative takes to work, as well as more information regarding each laxative type. Polymers take 6 hours or longer to work. GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. These include how you want to take it (oral or rectal), if youre taking other medications, and if you have any underlying health issues. StatPearls. Mayo Clinic Staff. 0
Its written by an MD. if you have signs of appendicitis or inflamed bowel (such as stomach or lower abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, soreness, nausea, or vomiting). You know how the smell of spices fades over time. Depending on quality, this can happen between 1-4 years after labeled expiration date. Never Buy Bread Again has over twenty bread recipes for all occasions, plus troubleshooting for common baking problems and tips on how to store your bread. What is the best way to prevent the spread of germs? Im not trying to get sued and I do not know the decomposition rate of different molecules so wrong even guess the rates at which different meds exposed to open air degrade over time. Many people throw food out once after its 'use by' date, as it is no longer guaranteed safe to consume. H\0E You should aim for 8 glasses of water per day while avoiding things such as caffeine and alcohol. As long as you have a bowel movement that occurs regularly not too few in a week and has a regular consistency, youre fine.. How long is too long to store over the counter medication, and what's the best way to store it? Mineral oil may leak from the rectum, especially when taken at high doses. There is a book you should read in reference to ancient medical practices: The Healing Hand Man and Wound in the Ancient World by: Guido Majno. This makes stools larger and softer which in turn makes them easier to pass. These laxatives are made up of salts in liquid. I definitely make sure I keep these in my medicine cabinet. Mineral oil is used to treat constipation. What are the new treatment options for migraines? This helps to soften the stool and also makes it easier for stool to pass through the intestines.This medication should not be used by older adults, children younger than 6 years, or by people who are bedridden. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. You can also subscribe without commenting. The bulk-forming laxatives contain three active agents and these active agents would take around 72 hours to show their effectiveness. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions. These laxatives are known as hyperosmotic laxatives which are available in different types and dosages. Im also on thyroid meds, although I still have a thyroid. Ive taken Tetracycline sealed from WW2 30 years ago and it worked because here I am being a smart Alec Should I avoid certain foods while taking Mineral Oil Laxative? This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. White blood cells that attack pathogens are called ______________. When you need to take a laxative, there are many questions that you ask yourself about it: which one should you use, its effects, if it will be good to use it, and, especially, how long the effect lasts on the body. Lubricant laxatives promote the passage of stool through the bowel by coating the stool in a waterproof film. Ventolin: what it is for, dosage and side Ambroxol syrup: what it is for and how Ambroxol with Clenbuterol: what it is for, dosage Ambroxol with Clenbuterol: what it is for, dosage and side effects, Ventolin: what it is for, dosage and side effects, Ambroxol syrup: what it is for and how to take it. ), and youll be good. )@P2`B' ok)Eh#""s`R4blS. It's usually caused by poor diet, some other disease, or regularly ignoring the urge to . Bulk-forming and osmotic laxatives might affect the way certain medications are absorbed. White mineral oil usually has a shorter shelf life and only lasts for about 1 to 3 years. Stop use and ask a doctor if you have any rectal bleeding do not have a bowel movement within 6 hours have any symptoms that your body is losing more fluid than you are drinking have symptoms of dehydration including thirstiness dizziness If you want to read more articles similar to How long does a laxative effect last? A cabinet, cupboard or medicine box is ideal for this purpose. All the team management, content creation, and monetization tasks are handled by me. Some laxatives take effect within 15-30 minutes, while some can take 48-72 hours. Often given the name "paraffinumliquidum" in ingredient labels, this oil is mainly used in cosmetics, skincare products, and also baby oils and lotions. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle. All I have read suggests that so long as the tablets are not moldy/ smell, discolored, or other obvious defects and not past their use by date, then they are fine. Here are options for purchasing bulk-forming laxatives. for more than 1 week unless your doctor has prescribed or ordered a special schedule for you. Constipation. How Long Does it Take for Novocaine to Wear Off (And Why)? If you are pregnant, you should go to your gynecologist, and he will indicate the dose until you control your bowel habits. Name the part of the eye on which image is formed? Learn more about natural laxatives. Now, youll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare providers. Docusate is the active ingredient found in emollient laxatives. Also, does it depend on the type of medication? There are several different types of hyperosmotic laxatives and theyre divided up by active ingredients. What are the Uses and Side Effects of Stimulant Laxatives? And some products may not be the best choice for everyone. Laxatives have a strict indication in those cases where it is challenging to move stool from the intestines. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Laxatives occasionally taken for constipation can help people have bowel movements. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Smyrna, TN, Vi-Jon, LLC is expanding its voluntary recall to include all lots of Magnesium Citrate Saline Laxative Oral Solution Lemon Flavor, 10 FL OZ (296 mL) within expiry to the consumer level. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Some laxatives, such as stool softeners or bulk-forming laxatives, are safe for pregnant women while others arent. This type of laxative can take 6 to 12 hours to work. Uses. The most common side effects are diarrhoea, bloating and wind. It is essential to avoid falling into the abuse of its use. Everyone taking laxatives should increase water intake for helping them to provide more fluid to the stools. Itll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. hXkO+-/"/i L l||c5wwuM:U#bQX&)zLi204L (%3J,)|Di4*HZSh{Ek#`1'R2EEhH3F0mMit=G`WgU(TpRY(
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}rF Uh-oh. There are some laxatives such as emollient that would show their effects for around 96 hours. If you haveemergency medical kits, you may end up storing medicationsfor longer periods of time. The medication suppositories are also helpful for softening the stools and preventing constipation. If people start observing severe side effects of the laxatives, then the person should stop using them. (2020). This can include things like adding fiber to your diet, drinking more water, and exercising regularly. MedlinePlus. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: cough that doesn't go away, difficulty breathing. They promote the absorption of water into your bowels. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Thats because you could have another problem thats causing your constipation. (n.d.). Predictable overnight relief. Examples of lactulose laxative products include Enulose and Generlac. Exercise third. The most commonly used forms were Verdigris, which is the corrosion on copper, malachite & chrysacolla (sp?) This may be a better option for people who have trouble swallowing capsules or tablets. And suppositories, which are usually solid and bullet-shaped, must be inserted properly to work. There are many types of laxatives and the working structure would be different for all the types. How long after taking Dulcolax can I expect a bowel movement? Also there is fish antibiotics now available that is made by the same company with the same ingredients as the human pills at more than a copay but you can purchase them without having a Dr. prescription. It takes approximately 6 to 8 hours to produce its effects. Plus, learn how they work and what they should and shouldnt be used for. Stimulant laxatives relieve constipation by triggering the intestines to contract and. (2012). Miralax might not be the best choice if you have kidney problems. Low A. Still, in an emergency, you use what you have available. By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx. In short, if its creative and you can make it digitally, I love it. KV\IN]?@Wu.&]k&Ta=U;n'o~}WDG7,~Q%o:K~p=of5SI^yS~]b!ZM5;'. Softer stools are easier to pass. Most of these laxatives can also be used by children as well as adults. Castor oil is used to treat constipation. I was used to bottle caps that contain a soft rubbery line, which forms a reasonably good seal with the lid on (so far tested on water, alcohol, acetone I reuse spent bottles for other purposes). Dulcolax - How long does it take for bisacodyl to clear your system? Lactulose laxatives are often used for treatment of long-term or chronic constipation. Potency and effectiveness of the medicine may decline after it reaches its expiration date. OTC laxatives can provide relief within 1 minute to 3 days depending on which type you use. Do not use any medicine with a discard date beyond this date, under any circumstances. The main function of many laxatives is to collect the fluid or water content from the nearby tissues inside the body. P. S. Sorry for any typos. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. How Long After BBL Can You Wear Jeans (And Why)? He even determined at what point (age of the wine) that it was most effective. After the laxative is ingested, it acts in the colon, increasing intestinal motility. They must be used according to the age of the patients. All three of these products are also considered safe options for pregnant people and children in most cases. Laxatives are grouped into four groups due to their action to treat constipation: In the following FastlyHealarticle, we show someeffective natural laxatives. Laxatives produce their effect by several mechanisms. Using laxatives frequently can cause a dysfunction in the natural movement of your bowels. The medication is metabolized in the body and roughly half is removed in 16 hours, with half of the remaining medicine removed after each consecutive 16 hours time frame. See additional information. Its recommended that you rotate them every one to two years. It works by keeping water in the stool and intestines. The body type and severity of health problems of a person would make a huge impact on the fading time of laxatives. The laxatives would start losing effectiveness after 16 to 96 hours. Take your next dose at the regular time. It should not be used in children under five years of age. Therefore, the person who needs to take it has this margin of time for the intestine to initiate the evacuation of the feces inside. If you've ever been constipated, you may have tried over-the-counter laxatives. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. All Rights Reserved. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur: For bulk-forming-containing Difficulty in breathing intestinal blockage skin rash or itching swallowing difficulty (feeling of lump in throat) For hyperosmotic-containing Confusion dizziness or light-headedness irregular heartbeat muscle cramps If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention. Constipation is often due to: changes in diet or routine. Do not lie down right away after taking this medication. It takes approximately 6 to 8 hours to produce its effects. Best Storage to Increase Shelf Life of Over-the-Counter Medication, Which Medications Should NOT be Taken Past Their Expiration Date, Other Medical Equipment and Medication Options. I have a bottle of Guaifenesin, expiration date same month as this article was posted, is it still safe to take? (Tablets and capsules aremore stable than liquid medications.). Phillips laxative caplets. Age changes things. Saline enemas might not be the best choice for people who are limiting their sodium intake or who have kidney or heart problems. endstream
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Talk to your doctor if your constipation has not improved after 4 or 5 days. Its best to rotate stock if possible. Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), stool softeners (such as docusate). Dulcolax is a stimulant laxative used to relieve occasional constipation.The diarrhea effect is a listed side effect and varies with each individual. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Have you talked to your doctor or pharmacist for suggestions? %PDF-1.7
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DailyMed. OTC laxatives can provide relief within 1 minute to 3 days depending on which type you use. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. I do get some stomach cramps from taking them but after I go to the bathroom they are gone and all my pressure is gone as well ! The tetracycline myth, so frequently sited, has been disproven it was based on a single incident, with questionable conclusions, and has not been replicated. For treating minor constipation issues for the short term, the experts may suggest laxatives such as polymer and saline laxatives. Taking mineral oil by mouth can be dangerous for people with difficulty swallowing. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Ac., CYT, Natural Laxatives for Constipation: Everything You Need to Know. Hah. If laxatives contain active ingredients such as lactulose, then the half-life of these active ingredients would not be more than 120 minutes. Should you throw medicine out as soon as it reaches its expiration date? The emollient laxatives may take around 72 hours to start working. This allows the stool to both hold on to its moisture and to move more easily through the bowel. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use. Polyethylene glycol may not produce laxative results for 2 to 4 days. The four main types of laxatives include: saline purgatives, fecal softeners, contact purgatives, and bulk laxatives. This is because they all require you to drink a lot of fluids for them to work well. This allows stool to pass more readily through your bowels. How Long After TCA Peel Can I Wear Makeup (And Why)? Portalatin, M., et al. The Herbs and Wildcrafting page and Weekly Weeder series can help you learn to use herbal alternatives. Generally, over-the-counter medicines should have a shelf life of around four or five years. But if youre Here are 22 high-fiber foods you should eat. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. see FDA safe medicine disposal guidelines, Honey as Medicine Prevent Infection, Kill Bacteria, Promote Healing, Herbs and Wildcrafting page and Weekly Weeder series, Winter Car Kit and Winter Vehicle Maintenance Checklist, Top 10 Foods to Store Without Electricity, Living Ready Pocket Manual First Aid Fundamentals for Survival, https://commonsensehome.com/herbal-antibiotics/, Before the Hurricane - The Common Sense Hurricane Guide Series (Part 1 of 3), NEWS OF THE DAY 3/15/2020: PATRIOTS * PREPPERS * HOMESTEADERS * SPORTSMEN Prepper Daves, Best Non Perishable Foods (For Home Use or Donations), Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) - What You Need to Know, 6 Ways to Get the Musty Smell Out of Clothes and Towels. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. It would be an emergency if you hadnt had a bowel movement for a prolonged time, and youre also experiencing major bloating or severe abdominal pain, notes Dr. Zutshi. !V!*io0pfIlf%StL This is true even when you have had no . But in relation to your post, if its truly TEOTWAWKI then I am using expired meds. Some medications are just TOO important to mess around with. Different types of laxatives work in different ways, begin working at different times, and stay in the body for varying amounts of time. Constipation: Causes and prevention tips. Some laxatives are better for short-term treatment of constipation while others are more ideal for treating long-term or chronic constipation. (n.d.). than three in a week. never really expire. For example, the half-life of lactulose is about 2 hours while the half-life of bisacodyl is 16 hours. The emollient laxatives would show their effects for around 3 to 4 days. GoodRx provides no warranty for any information. And then if nothing works, they see a doctor, says Dr. Zutshi. Most medications can be used well after their expiration date, but some do become dangerous or less effective. They can also be helpful for ongoing problems like irritable bowel syndrome or hemorrhoids. The powerful laxatives would stay for around 16 hours. Under normal conditions follow your doctors advice, and seek available medical treatment. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. All rights reserved. You can also help to avoid becoming constipated by following some of the tips below: Increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Some laxative ingredients can pass to the infant via breast milk and cause diarrhea. And just like there are many causes for snarled roadways, there are different reasons your inner streets are backing up, such as a lack of: You have less control over these other constipation causes: A: While the nursery school book Everyone Poops still rings true, how often they do so is another story. Constipation is common among the elderly, people with little or no physical activity, those with eating disorders or not getting enough water, and those with intestinal disorders. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Ive read some information that linked mental health issues with low copper levels. Other common OTC products in this group include Citrucel, Metamucil, and Colace. If you use laxatives, one of the questions you may ask yourself is, how long does the effect of a laxative lastonce you have ingested it?Keep reading this FastlyHealarticle to discover the answer. I know vacuum sealing dramatically extends the shelf life of food I wonder if it would help with thyroid meds, too? against restarting the laxatives. I am not a pharmacist, but Im sure that it varies substantially between medications. DailyMed. These include bulk-forming laxatives like Fibercon, stool softeners, and osmotic laxatives like Miralax. Many medications do retain their effectiveness well past the sell by and use by dates, but Im sure with the wide range of medications available, some dont. Find out how to take laxatives for constipation and the risks of misuse. If youre unsure which laxative to take, consult your doctor. Which of the following is NOT a symptom of the common cold? Bashir, A., et al. Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats. For this, it directly affects the nerve endings of the colon plexus. 224 0 obj
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Overuse of certain laxatives may lead to dependency and decreased bowel function. It is essential to know the cause that gives rise to the appearance of constipation to indicate the laxative only in the case that it is necessary. Fleet glycerin suppository. Laxatives. Find a stimulant laxative for purchase here. Most OTC laxatives recommend contacting your healthcare provider if you need to use them for more than 7 days at a time. Constipation: 6 Tips to Help You Return to Regular Bowel Movements. So you dont think vacuum sealing them would be good? If your poop (stool) is still hard or difficult to pass after you've taken a stool softener for one week, call your provider. How long does the effect of a laxative last? Laxatives can help relieve and prevent constipation. Dulcolax is a stimulant laxative used to relieve occasional constipation.The diarrhea effect is a listed side effect and varies with each individual. Saline laxatives usually produce results within 30 minutes to 3 hours following a dose. Saline laxatives can take around 3 hours to show effectiveness. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Lifestyle changes that may prevent or relieve constipation include exercising, drinking enough water, and eating a proper diet with fiber-rich foods such as bran, fresh fruits/vegetables. GoodRx is not offering advice, recommending or endorsing any specific prescription drug, pharmacy or other information on the site. LOL. By Mayo Clinic Staff. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. This means they each may take a different amount of time to work. If we were to apply shelf life extensions more broadly, it might be possible to reduce national health care costs, reduce drug shortages, and provide medications to those who would otherwise be unable to afford them.. The expiration date on medication is the date beyond which the manufacturers can no longer guarantee full effectiveness or safe usage. If you do vacuum seal them inside a small bag, it would still be good to place that bag inside a glass jar. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. *copper supplements do turn from green to black after 10-15 years, but there Ive noticed no ill effects from them. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Common OTC products in this group include Fleet enema, Pedia-Lax, and the Magic Bullet. How Long Do You Have To Wear Gauze After Tooth Extraction (And Why)? Regulations on nursing facilities vary by state. 4-5 years? Pregnancy changes things, adds Dr. Zutshi. Last updated on Oct 12, 2022. (2014). http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674383302. LOL. Thanks so much! By providing your email address, you agree to receive emails containing coupons, refill reminders and promotional messages from GoodRx. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. You might pick up some useful info from this book. Bulk-forming laxatives are generally considered safe for long-term use. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a magnesium laxative recall on July 15, impacting products manufactured by Vi-Jon, which may pose a risk of serious and life-treating. Be sure to read labels carefully when selecting a laxative. Is It (Finally) Time to Stop Calling COVID a Pandemic? Over-the-counter laxatives for constipation: Use with caution. The answers above seem to refer to a bottle has never previously been opened as opposed to the constant opening and use of tablets from the same bottle. Your email address will not be published. Before taking mineral oil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Its effect begins 6 to 12 hours after its ingestion. This may seem a simple question with a simple answer (I hope so!). You should go to the emergency room if your symptoms are severe. Lubricant laxatives take 6 to 8 hours to take effect. Some bulking food items like bananas, apples or pasta may help slow the diarrhea naturally. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. We recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests. UpToDate.com. Starting doses of laxatives for functional constipation in children. Lets explore the different over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives available to you. But not all laxatives are safe for long-term use. How Long Does It Take For Weed To Wear Off (And Why)? The ONLY OTC laxative that has worked for me. Laxatives Side Effects: Understanding the Risks, Pressure Points for Relieving Constipation, Kerry Boyle D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. @p2$%*XwF!oo}
73"hDN! The emollient laxatives are great for the stool softening process. Select a condition to view a list of medication options. These can include: Because many laxatives work by drawing water into your bowels, you should be sure to drink plenty of water while youre taking them. Bulk-forming laxatives such as Metamucil and FiberCon may help you find relief from constipation. We avoid using tertiary references. Heres the 411 on No. Its more of a history, but interestingly enough, he included a section where he lab tested the efficacy of ancient medicinals. The laxatives for both the short and long term would be different. Here are 22 high-fiber foods you should eat. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. The active ingredient in lactulose laxatives is a sugar-like compound. If for any reason, evacuation is not achieved after that time, a second dose of the laxative mentioned above should not be taken. Stool softeners can be taken on a daily basis and are minimally absorbed systemically." Dr. Steth recommends avoiding osmotic and stimulant laxatives during pregnancy. /$v !AH$!1L!D!,1>n5H uEnY?K8C76VTo@=7c:n8^R:Ow.?Np/qkvE"V+K7g+bo.>Z!=^:{Np2qXg79ac{H$yLSmiR)= g)!rfV@qk2l%6)92ym}$2-WvdRU|(Sz4T|o*jnn. Working in the medical profession for the last 26 years, I know that meds that are close to or have past expiration tend to be shipped to third world countries for use. I have a Food Saver vacuum sealer, would that be a good idea? Some brands require shaking the bottle well before each dose. (n.d.). The answer is somewhat complicated but not necessarily. Thank you so much! Stimulant laxatives cause the muscles of your bowels to contract. The half-lives of active ingredients would not be more than 72 hours. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Once inserted, the medication dissolves and enters the bloodstream. And as I said, those seals are as effective as their absence is the complete opposite. Many people think laxatives can help them lose weight quickly. The active ingredient of emollient laxatives is a compound called docusate. Please seek medical advice before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment. Acupressure is a natural remedy for constipation. Laxatives are medicines used to evacuate the intestines, allowing stool to pass without complications. When you have constipation and are using laxatives, make an appointment to see your doctor if you experience unexplained changes in bowel pattern or constipation lasting longer than seven. Some laxatives work faster than others and while fast relief can be a good thing, it comes with some trade offs. }unn
7|Tt=;3Uieo/i;no^Oxo^7gK>&Hkv#jHk}-sZAmyL3X4h2"mWjOjL~ep'U?yenGK
RiZLN/&5|W 84Dgm3v71kUJ*Y`&?ihssx\R|5ZAB[i>j]*S8iK If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.