Novo Spiroton Side Effects

Edema or swelling occurs when fluid builds under your skin due to a variety of causes, including kidney problems, medications, congestive heart failure or cirrhosis of the liver. Untreated, edema has the potential to cause permanent damage to your skin, bones and muscles. Fortunately, there are a number of medications available to help alleviate edema, including spironolactone. In Canada, spironolactone is available under the brand name Novo-Spiroton. Despite its effectiveness, Novo-Spiroton is not for everyone as it presents several risks for side effects and complications in some patients.

Common Side Effects

• The most common side effects of Novo-Spiroton are not normally serious in nature and pose little discomfort. Many patients taking the drug experience gastrointestinal side effects, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, dry mouth, increased thirst, nausea and vomiting. Neurological side effects of Novo-Spiroton are also common and include headaches, dizziness, drowsiness and fatigue. Also, many patients report frequent urination or fevers while taking the drug.

Other Side Effects

• Novo-Spiroton also has the potential to cause a number of other uncommon, but not dangerous, side effects. Some women taking the drug notice breast tenderness or menstrual irregularity, while infrequently men report the development of feminine-looking breasts. Confusion and lack of coordination are are neurological side effects of Novo-Spiroton. It is also possible to develop minor skin rashes while taking the drug.

Side Effects Caused by Overdose

• In some cases, your doctor may describe too high a dose of Novo-Spiroton or you may accidentally take more of the medication than directed. Taking too much Novo-Spiroton causes a distinctive combination of side effects, some of which are dangerous. It is important to recognize the signs of Novo-Spiroton overdose as prompt medical attention is key in avoiding long term problems. Early on, you are likely to notice red lesions or welts on your skin or a generalized redness. Numbness and swelling of your hands and feet and heaviness in your legs are also likely to develop with a Novo-Spiroton overdose. It also possible to experience difficulty breathing, an irregular heartbeat, nervousness and muscle cramps. Severe overdoses frequently cause convulsions and even coma.

Complications

• In some patients, Novo-Spiroton causes dangerous medical complications. For instance, the drug has the potential to cause an increase in potassium levels in your blood stream. This sometimes leads to a condition called hyperkalemia, which can damage or interfere with your heart and cardiovascular system. Some patients develop gastric bleeding or ulcers while using Novo-Spiroton. Inflammation or damage to your liver is also possible while taking the drug, as is sudden kidney failure. Occasionally, patients experience severe allergic reactions to Novo-Spiroton, resulting in difficulty breathing, the appearance of hives, exacerbated swelling and even anaphylactic shock.

Considerations

• Because Novo-Spiroton frequently causes toxic effects upon the fetus, doctors rarely prescribe the drops for pregnant women. If you have a history of Addison's disease, hyperkalemia or kidney dysfunction, your doctor is not likely to prescribe Novo-Spiroton for you due to its possible side effects. Since it has the potential to cause dizziness and drowsiness, you should not operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery until you know how Novo-Spiroton will affect you.