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in collaboration with
Dr Odile Bagot (Gynecologist-obstetrician)
Medical validation:
February 03, 2023
According to an English study, women suffer more from adverse effects related to taking medication. Reactions which can sometimes prove to be extremely serious according to the researchers.
Nausea, headaches, itching, diarrhoea, skin rash… The side effects of drugs are known. What is less known, however, is that the fairer sex suffers more adverse reactions. Conclusions, to be found in the review British Journal Of General Practice.
Twice as many side effects in women
The researchers analyzed the adverse drug reactions of 592 Irish people aged 70 and over, over a period of six years.
While a quarter of participants on long-term medication experienced at least one adverse drug effect during this time, those who were prescribed ten or more medications had a three times higher risk of adverse reactions (nausea, swelling, etc.) .
The researchers also noticed that the female participants were twice as likely to suffer from adverse effects as the males.
Among the non-specific effects detected, often difficult to spot in the elderly, the scientists reported: ankle swelling, headaches, nausea and dry mouth.
Symptoms that do not surprise Professor Emma Wallace, of University College Cork:
“Women and men may react differently to the effects of drugs (…) and how the body processes and breaks down drugs may vary by gender.”recognizes the professor, before adding that the “type of drugs prescribed may also vary between men and women“.
A different physiology… and fewer drugs tested in women?
For Odile Bagot, gynecologist, these results seem rather obvious.
“Any drug must be adapted to the muscle and fat mass of the individual. However, drugs are mainly tested in men. Therefore, the diffusion of drugs and the resulting reactions are different in women.“, concludes the expert.