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Since visiting a doctor can be time consuming and expensive, many people prefer to purchase and use over the counter medicines from pharmacies. However, many of these medications have side effects, which are not known to the user.

Some of  the side effects of  commonly used medicines are

1. Medicine for cough and cold - can cause allergic reactions like rashes or nausea.  Cough syrup may make a person dizzy.

2. Fever and headache are treated using medicines like Paracetamol, Combiflam and Aspirin, but these medicines can cause gastric ulcers. Overuse of  the tablets can cause arthritis and kidney failure

3. Antibiotics should only be used after checking the dosage and expiry date. Some of  the side effects are swelling of the face and tongue, blood clots, diarrhea, rashes, boils and other allergic reactions.

4. If  an overdose of  calcium supplements is taken, kidney stones can be formed. It may also cause aches in the joints and muscles. Excess of  vitamin supplements and B complex could lead to problems in the brain, headache, nausea and gastrointenstinal problems.

6.  Eye drops may cause irritation in the eyes. Ear drops older than the specified expiry date can damage the eardrum and cause severe irritation.

7. Some ointments and sprays cause a burning sensation on the skin. Wrongly used, they can cause a skin problems which may heal after a long time.

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