Will lifelong medication affect lifespan?
Sep 22, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
In general, whether lifelong medication affects lifespan depends on factors such as the type of drug and dosage. If a patient has a disease requiring drug treatment, the effects of the medication should be evaluated according to its type. For example, if a patient has hypertension, they may need to take calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine controlled-release tablets or verapamil hydrochloride tablets.
In general, whether lifelong medication affects lifespan depends on factors such as the type of medication and dosage. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Yes, it may affect lifespan
If a patient has a disease requiring drug treatment, the effects of the medication depend on its type. For example, if a patient has hypertension and needs to take calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine controlled-release tablets or verapamil hydrochloride tablets, failure to take the medication regularly may result in sustained high blood pressure, which can damage organs such as the heart and blood vessels by causing continuous stress and structural injury, potentially shortening the patient's lifespan. If a patient has diabetes and takes medications such as metformin hydrochloride sustained-release tablets or glipizide tablets, these drugs may stress organs like the liver and kidneys, leading to organ damage that could also impact lifespan. Additionally, if a patient has low immunity or is suffering from bacterial or viral infections, certain medications used during these conditions may also stress internal organs and potentially affect lifespan.
2. No, it may not affect lifespan
If a patient has coronary atherosclerotic heart disease and requires beta-blockers such as metoprolol tartrate sustained-release tablets or bisoprolol fumarate tablets to reduce the impact of disease episodes, long-term use of these medications typically does not shorten lifespan.
Patients are advised to follow medical instructions when taking medications and avoid self-medicating. If any discomfort or adverse symptoms occur, prompt medical consultation is recommended.
