Insight from Sandra Sandhu-Restaino, DO, Pelvic Pain Specialist at PRM.
When it comes to managing pain, inflammation, or chronic symptoms, medications—both prescription and over-the-counter—are often part of the conversation. But as Sandra Sandhu-Restaino, DO, a board-certified physiatrist at PRM, emphasizes, one of the biggest misconceptions patients have is believing that over-the-counter automatically means safe for everyone.
In reality, medication safety is highly individualized.
Everyone Responds to Medications Differently
According to Dr. Sandhu-Restaino, every person’s body chemistry is unique. Genetics, hormone levels, underlying conditions, and even lifestyle factors can influence how someone responds to a medication.
This means a medication that works well for one person may:
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Cause side effects in another
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Be ineffective altogether
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Interact with other medications or supplements
This applies to prescription medications and common over-the-counter products alike.
The Risk of Assuming Over-the-Counter Means “Harmless”
Many patients don’t realize that over-the-counter medications still carry risks—especially when used frequently or without medical guidance.
Dr. Sandhu-Restaino notes that common concerns can include:
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Gastrointestinal irritation or bleeding
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Effects on kidney or liver function
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Cardiovascular risks with certain medications
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Interactions with prescriptions or supplements
Even medications that feel routine can become problematic when taken long-term or without considering a person’s full medical picture.
Why Conversations With Your Doctor Matter
One of Dr. Sandhu-Restaino’s key messages is the importance of discussing risk versus benefit with your healthcare provider. These conversations help patients understand:
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Whether a medication is appropriate for their symptoms
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What side effects to watch for
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Safe dosing and duration
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Potential interactions with other treatments
Open communication ensures patients aren’t making decisions in isolation—and helps prevent unintended harm.
Medication Safety in Pelvic Pain Care
For patients with chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, or other pelvic health conditions, medication is often just one piece of a larger treatment plan.
Dr. Sandhu-Restaino emphasizes that managing chronic pain requires a thoughtful, individualized approach. Relying on medications alone may mask symptoms rather than address underlying contributors to pain.
At Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine, care is centered around:
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Personalized treatment plans
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Multidisciplinary pain management
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Ongoing patient-provider collaboration
Medication decisions are always made with the patient’s long-term health and goals in mind.
A More Informed Approach to Medication Use
Medication safety doesn’t mean avoiding medications—it means using them intentionally and with guidance. Asking questions, understanding your options, and involving your provider in these decisions can make a meaningful difference in both symptom management and overall well-being.
If you’re unsure whether something is safe to take—or if you’ve been relying on over-the-counter medications to manage ongoing pain—it may be time for a deeper conversation with your provider.
Final Takeaway
As Dr. Sandhu-Restaino reminds patients, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to medications. What matters most is understanding what you’re taking, why you’re taking it, and how it affects your body specifically.
