Self-medication is a term used when someone takes medication without consulting a physician.
Some people see no problem with self-medication, even though it is extremely harmful and can be life-threatening in some cases. People who practice self-medication take medicines often referred to as ‘non-prescribed medicines. These are found in pharmacies, supermarkets, and other common outlets. Examples of such medication include painkillers, like paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin, among others.
Let’s look at a few risks involved with self-medication:
- Wrong dosage of medicine
- Dangerous complications from mixing medications
- Using the wrong medications
- Chances of getting addicted
- Incorrect self-diagnosis.
- Decreased antibiotic efficacy
A person relying on self-medication opens himself to the risks of inappropriate medication and unknown health issues.
