‘Hidden risk' of widely-used prescription drugs — you're more likely to get the flu and Covid while on them
Since we take prescription drugs to feel better, it's alarming to think that some common ones can actually make you more sick.
But that's precisely what a shocking new study out of Norway has revealed.
'We have found a surprising and potentially serious side effect of a class of anti-inflammatory drugs. They can help viruses spread more easily in the body,' Denis Kainov, a professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), said in a press release.
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A new study has found some common drugs can actually make you more sick.
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Janus kinase inhibitors — also known as JAKs — are commonly prescribed for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. You might know them by their brand names, such as Xeljanz, Olumiant and Rinvoq.
But while they may ease inflammatory conditions, it seems they can also inflame your chances of catching a nasty bug.
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'Among the viruses that more easily affect the body with the help of these drugs are Rift Valley fever virus, influenza A, adenovirus and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19,' Kainov said.
Kainov and his team found that these drugs can suppress interferon-stimulated genes, which play a crucial role in the body's response to viral infections, thereby facilitating the spread of viruses.
They therefore urge medical professionals to exercise caution when prescribing these drugs to patients who might be at risk.
'Among the viruses that more easily affect the body with the help of these drugs are Rift Valley fever virus, influenza A, adenovirus and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19,' Kainov said.
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'We recommend further studies to better understand how the drugs can be used optimally, especially during virus outbreaks or pandemics,' Aleksandr Ianevski, an NTNU researcher, said.
JAKs aren't the only class of medication to make headlines recently for some unpleasant side effects.
Other common drugs, such as statins — which are meant to lower cholesterol — and certain medications for high blood pressure have also been implicated in exposing patients to a higher risk of infection.
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In a somewhat more bizarre twist, reports reviewed by the BBC suggest some common drugs that are meant to treat Parkinson's and other movement disorders have been pushing people into sexually deviant behavior.
And the FDA recently issued a warning about generic versions of a widely-used hair loss drug — finasteride — that is frequently distributed by popular telehealth brands like Hims and Keeps, after dozens of users reported sexual dysfunction, brain fog and suicidal thoughts.
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