Dangers of Self-medication You Probably Never Thought About

Self-medicating outside the guidelines can be harmful and potentially life threatening. The World Health Organization and the International Pharmaceutical Federation define self-medication as a practice by which an individual selects and uses medicines to treat symptoms or minor health problems, recognized as such by themselves. When done correctly (Responsible self medication), self medication can benefit the individual’s health and is recognized by the WHO and as part of self-care.

Global self-care federation, formally known as WSMI defines Responsible self-medication as the practice whereby individuals treat their ailments and conditions with medicines which are approved and available without prescription, and which are safe and effective when used as directed. The most widely self-medicated substances are over-the-counter (OTC) drugs used to treat common health issues at home as well as dietary supplements.

What are the dangers of self-medication?

Not following the guiding principles of self-medication predisposes you to the following risks:

NB, many of these risks are not limited to self medication and may also occur in the prescription situation but less likely, if correct protocols are observed by the physician.

Misdiagnosis and incorrect choice of treatment

This is very common and could be very dangerous. Some symptoms are nonspecific and could result in misdiagnosis. Treatment of non-specific symptoms can mask a severe underlying disease. You run the risk of wastage of resources, increase medical expenses and even death.

Adverse drug reactions and interactions

Some drugs interact with other drugs and even with the food we consume in a negative manner and so, shouldn’t be taken together. This interaction modifies the effect of this drug which could be harmful and even life threatening. The probability of this increase with the number of drugs a patient takes simultaneously. At times, a patient may be under a prescribed medication for a particular health condition and self-medicating on the other hand without proper guidance and this may lead to adverse reactions. Failure to recognize contraindications and potential drug-drug and drug-food interactions can be a costly move.

Incorrect route or manner of administration

Taking drugs the wrong way may result in an adverse outcome and even death.

Risk of dependence or abuse

The repeated intake of some drugs may result in dependence, addiction and consequently adverse outcomes. Psychoactive substances, whether illicit or non illicit can be deleterious to your mental health.

Resistance to drugs

Inappropriate use of drugs has been a major reason for drug resistance by microorganisms. Overuse, under dosing of antibiotics and even not finishing the entire antibiotic course predisposes you to the risk of drug resistance. Consequent unresponsiveness to these drugs could get you severely ill and may cost you your life.

Inadequate or excessive dosing

Inadequate dosing is an important factor in drug resistance and excessive dosing can result in lasting health consequences and even death.

Guidelines for Self-medication

 In 1998, WSMI now known as Global self-care federation and the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) worked together in a WHO consultative group on the role of the pharmacist in self-care and self-medication. Responsible self-medication requires that:

1. Medicines used are of proven safety, quality and efficacy and

2. Medicines used are those indicated for conditions that are self-recognizable and for some chronic or recurrent conditions (following initial medical diagnosis). In all cases, these medicines should be specifically designed for the purpose, and will require appropriate dose and dosage forms. Such products should be supported by information, which describes: how to take or use the medicines; effects and possible side-effects; how the effects of the medicine should be monitored; possible interactions; precautions and warnings; duration of use; and when to seek professional advice. (Report of the WHO Consultative Group on the Role of the Pharmacist in Self-Care and Self-Medication (The Hague, Netherlands, 26-28 August 1998).

The close collaboration of the WSMI and FIP led to a joint statement in 1999: “Nowadays people are keen to accept more personal responsibility for their health status and to obtain as much sound information as possible from expert sources in order to help them make appropriate decisions in health care […] Pharmacists have a key role to play in providing them with assistance, advice and information about medicines available for self-medication.” (WSMI-FIP joint statement, 1999)

 

Conclusion

There are social, financial and community benefits of self-medication but only when it’s practiced responsibly. Responsible self-medication has indeed been beneficial to the health system at large and is encouraged in our today’s world. Practice responsibly!

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