Popping pills without medical supervision is a widespread practice among consumers who feel empowered to take charge of their health themselves. It's less time- and money-consuming than going to the doctor for a minor health condition which may even end up being misdiagnosed.
The explosion of drug and health information on the internet has spurred self-medication, but it often proves ineffective, excessive or even unnecessary, and thereby, at best, a waste of money.
Consumers may put themselves at risk due to incorrect self-diagnosis and self-prescription as well as possible side-effects and drug interactions.
The Pharmacy Council, therefore, calls for Rational Drug Use (RDU) and urges consumers to consult a pharmacist before taking modern or traditional herbal medicine. According to the WHO, Rational Drug Use requires that "patients receive medications appropriate to their clinical needs, in doses that meet their own individual requirements, for an adequate period of time, and at the lowest cost to them and their community".
A nationwide campaign promoting RDU was launched in conjunction with Pharmacy Week 2018 last Friday at Beacon Zone, Central World. Since 2016, the Ministry of Public Health through the National Drug System Development Committee has implemented an RDU strategy at governmental hospitals to ensure that medicine is correctly prescribed in terms of dosage, route and time of administration and tailored to the patient's needs.
When self-medicating, individuals should meticulously follow the same criteria, ensuring that the drug fits them and their health problem and complying with the label regarding dosage, administration route and timing. Further, self-medicating individuals should know all the medicines they are taking by name and be fully aware of allergies. Strictly discouraged are adjusting the dosage or taking other people's medication.
The Pharmacy Council advise that medicine should be obtained from a drug store attended by a pharmacist, who can provide professional advice and screen patients requiring timely medical treatment.
Besides delaying the seeking of medical advice, self-medication may mask symptoms of an underlying and more serious disease. In addition, there's a risk of drug dependence and abuse.
Raising awareness of the dangers of self-medication along with educating people on RDU and encouraging them to seek advice from pharmacists are key objectives of Pharmacy Week 2018, from June 23 until Friday.
Throughout this week, anyone can pick up a booklet providing information on the responsible use of modern and herbal medicine at drug stores and hospitals across the country.
