Popping pills
without prescription: How safe is it?
Self medication is the
practice of talking medicines, mostly for generalized symptoms, for oneself
without consulting the specialist. In India we are privileged with the right to
buy medicines over-the-counter (OTC). However, many forget where to draw the
line, and go ahead buying medicines for illnesses that might get them to
trouble later in life.
OTC drugs have certainly made
life easier for average Indians. However, the same could lead us to
irreversible health damages. It’s a common practice to buy anti-fungal creams,
analgesics, sunscreens, anti-dandruff shampoos, which are also considered as
OTC drugs. We all do that. These are common dermatologically proven health
products that hardly get us into reverse medical conditions.
Some even go over the board
buying Aspirin, Paracetamols, Vitamin tablets, expectorant and non-expectorant
syrups. Buying these does not harm us as much as taking the wrong dosage does.
We do not have the medical expertise to decide for the correct dosage. There
are so many factors associated with the taking in of the medicines. The
prevalent medical conditions of a patient should be taken into account first
and foremost. Some people increase the dose without consulting; assuming that
two pills would make them feel better than one and so on. They go onto share
these tips with family members and friends and influence them as well. Lack of
knowledge could be fatal and what seems like a harmless thing could easily lead
to disaster.
Self medication is the practice of talking medicines,
mostly for generalized symptoms, for oneself without consulting the specialist.
In India we are privileged with the right to buy medicines over-the-counter
(OTC). However, many forget where to draw the line, and go ahead buying
medicines for illnesses that might get them to trouble later in life.
OTC drugs have certainly made life easier for average
Indians. However, the same could lead us to irreversible health damages. It’s a common practice to buy anti-fungal creams, analgesics, sunscreens, antidandruff shampoos, which
are also considered as OTC drugs. We all do that. These are common
dermatologically proven health products that hardly get us into reverse medical
conditions.
How safe are
Vitamins?
Self medication even while taking vitamins is a big NO.
Millions of people who are popping in vitamins are risking their lives to
various ailments. Malignant melanoma is now proven to be one of them. Even the
water soluble vitamins could lead to dire medical conditions like kidney stone,
liver damage, muscle cramps, diarrhoea.
Some do’s and
donot’s
Consult your doctor before taking self medication, if you
are not sure
Read the warnings and instructions to avoid the possible
cross reactions
Get you closet clean of expired medicines
Take the medicines when prescribed
Never share or decide medicines for others
Do your bit of research and know what you are taking
Be a smart citizen, know your life
It is always better to take the natural food supplements
like farm fresh vegetables, fruits, cereals, milk, hand
made bread, dry fruits. Going back to nature and
going back to minimalism makes living safer and healthier.
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