Have you ever stared at the numerous adverse reactions on the drug instructions and felt uneasy? Especially when I see words like 'depression' and 'mania', I dare not let my child take that medicine. Today, pharmacists will talk about how to rationally view the seemingly "terrible" adverse reactions on drug instructions. Is the thicker the instruction manual, the more toxic the medicine? This is a common misconception, and the fact may be exactly the opposite. A detailed instruction manual usually means that the drug has been studied more thoroughly and we have a more comprehensive understanding of it. The national "Regulations on the Management of Drug Instructions and Labels" clearly require that pharmaceutical companies must truthfully list all adverse reactions found in clinical trials and subsequent tracking, whether common or rare. This is first and foremost a respect for your right to know, a responsible transparency. At the same time, you should understand that 'listing' does not mean 'happening'. The probability of these reactions occurring varies greatly. In pharmacy, we divide their frequency of occurrence as follows: Very common: ≥ 10% (1 in 10 people) Common: 1% to 10% (1 to 10 in 100 people) Occasional: 0.1% to 1% (1 to 10 in 1000 people) Rare: 0.01% to 0.1% (1 in 10000 to 100000 people) Very rare:<0.01% (less than 1 in 100000 people) Grasp two "key" factors and rationally view adverse reactions. In drug instructions, "adverse reactions" have a clear definition: harmful reactions that occur under normal usage and dosage of qualified drugs, unrelated to the purpose of use. What should we pay attention to when facing the list of adverse reactions in drug instructions? Please remember two points: first look at the probability: by comparing the frequency above, you can determine which ones are highly likely to need attention and which ones are only very low probability warnings. Even 'common' adverse reactions mean that less than ten out of a hundred people will experience them, and the vast majority of people will not experience them. Looking at the severity again: distinguish which are mild and self relieving discomforts, such as feeling a little sleepy after taking medication, gastrointestinal discomfort, etc. What are serious reactions that require immediate medical attention, such as difficulty breathing, generalized rash, etc. Be aware of the symptoms caused by adverse reactions. For example, Montelukast Sodium is a commonly used medication for asthma and allergic rhinitis, and its instructions are required to include a warning for adverse mental reactions, which has caused concern among parents. Please be aware of the following three points: Firstly, this risk did not suddenly arise, and this update is a routine regulatory action taken by the National Medical Products Administration to strengthen risk warnings. The second point is that risks do exist, but they need to be objectively viewed. Insomnia and irritability are relatively common, while truly serious emotional or behavioral problems are classified as "rare" in medicine. Thirdly, for children diagnosed with the need for this medication, the clear health benefits of controlling asthma and rhinitis far outweigh the risk of rare adverse reactions. On this basis, the correct approach is not to panic and refuse medication, but to pay more attention to observing the child's emotions, sleep, and behavior for any new and persistent abnormalities during medication, and to maintain communication with the doctor. Feng Xuemei (Capital Children's Medical Center affiliated with Capital Medical University) proposes that drug instructions are responsible "risk awareness letters" for key pharmacists. Its existence is to enable us to use drugs more safely and effectively under the guidance of professionals, in order to overcome diseases. Before taking medication, check the instructions, especially the adverse reactions and precautions, to have a clear understanding. Strictly follow the dosage and course of treatment prescribed by the doctor when taking medication, and do not increase, decrease or stop medication at will. Pay attention to the child's reactions after medication, especially those discomfort that have not existed in the past and persist. Record them and provide timely feedback to the doctor or pharmacist. (New Society)