Side effects of medication

I take several prescription drugs as I have several auto immune conditions and AF
I decided in my forties when RA was limiting my work and personal life to take the meds despite fear of serious side effects.
I’m 76 and still creaking. I take magnesium for the same reason as rosiesmaw and occasionally have a break for the reasons identified 🌞

Did I have the covid jab?
No I did not
Though I caught covid even before Mr Boris had done a lockdown.

Have I had it since.
Absolutely not.

Though I would start considering it when I am about 80. If I get that far.

Personally, I take as few pills as I can possibly get away with. Always have.

Even vitamin tablets.

I always start by looking up what foods are good and bad.
Then move on to things like, does heat or cold have any affect.

etc etc
until the only thing left it pills. If I have to.

Some years ago I was given a pain relief medication with a listed side effect of if you stop taking this you could die!
I refused to take it until the doc explained that I would only be taking it in the short term and the dosage was small. When I didn’t need it any more I had a few nervous weeks.

Could you take paracetamol instead of NSAIDs?

My experience is just that - personal experience plus common sense!
Which outweighs the other though?

I don't read the paper in the box- I just go on whether I feel better or not. Some medicines are only short term so can put up with small side-effects. If they are long-term then I might discuss any serious side effects with my GP. Sometimes it is about the balance...

I agree.
Our Pharmacist is always happy to discuss meds and even has a small consulting room.
And if my husband or myself get new meds he rings a couple of weeks later to see how we are getting on with it.

The best source of information about my prescribed medications ,both their interactions with each other , and any side effects on me, is free for the asking, from the pharmacist who dispenses them.

If like me you collect yours from a local chemist, if you have a question just pop in and ask to speak to the pharmacist.
I've done this for 40 years and been surprised how often they are better informed on medications, right down to very specific brand differences, than the prescribing GP.