Information on products used for self-medication is the most problematic aspect of this topic. Doctors and pharmacists have extensive training in the field of pharmacology and are required to monitor the progress of pharmacotherapy. Medications are not harmless in every way, and cause side effects. The advantages and disadvantages of prescribed medications should be explained in detail in the doctor’s office or pharmacy.
Why is the uncontrolled use of "advertised" drugs a harmful occupation?
Prescription drugs are selected and dosed by doctors, while there are no specific recommendations for self-treatment. Over-the-counter products are considered ordinary consumer goods. Therefore, it must be borne in mind that advertising primarily focuses on the positive aspects of products.
Manufacturers emphasize all sorts of hypothetical product benefits. By the end of the 1980s, a large Swiss company acquired a salicylic analgesic from a small American. The drug was then re-advertised on an American television commercial as an “excellent pain medication.” The advertisement was deemed "misleading" and prohibited by the Federal Trade Commission.
If large companies allow such dubious propaganda, so do not be surprised that others do it.
There are advertising formulations that have no scientific value:
- "food for the immune system";
- "increasing the body's defenses";
- "stimulating and revitalizing effect on the general metabolism."
One medicine "removes the root hair problem," another promises a "healthy future." At best, these statements are based on experiments, but in most cases these are pure hypotheses.
Undesirable effects are usually reported very rarely. When it comes to sales, the negative aspects are silent. Therefore, in advertising, the issue of adverse effects is relegated to the simple phrase "there are side effects." In a pharmacy, patient consultation is an integral part of the pharmacist's professional activities.
People who take obscure medications do not talk about this at the pharmacy or doctor’s office. A study conducted by consumer organizations in recent years has repeatedly shown that the information provided in the pharmacy is unreliable.
2 key problems of self-medication: interactions and antibiotic resistance
Acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, ketoprofen are OTC drugs that can interact with alcohol and other substances. The combination of substances causes internal bleeding and disrupts blood coagulation. The "harmless" St. John's wort in capsules in combination with antidepressants causes serotonin syndrome.
Countless interactions with different drugs are the main problem of self-medication. Only a qualified specialist knows well which drugs can be combined.
Self-medication with antibiotics is a common occurrence in Greece and other countries. Mindless use of antibiotics increases the risk of hard-to-treat bacterial infections.
In a survey in Sudan, 48.1% of the population reported using antibiotics in the last 30 days. 43.4% of respondents took antimalarial drugs, and 17.5% used both groups of drugs. In 2012, over 20% of the population acquired over-the-counter antibiotics in Russia.
When is self-medication possible?
Self-medication is a simple tool to alleviate minor transient health problems. Short-term use usually does not cause complications. However, the long-term use of OTC drugs is associated with significant risks.
On the subject of self-medication, pharmacists stand between different fronts. There is an advertisement for pharmaceutical companies that presents the drug as a pure consumer product. There is also an advertisement for consumer organizations that either write sensational articles or find abuse and want to defend the interests of patients.
Pharmacists who are serious about their work should make it clear to consumers that over-the-counter drugs are not a panacea. Before using any medication, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist to avoid side effects.
