An alarming 77% were uninformed about contraindications or potential side effects of the drugs they were taking
The ripple effects that began in China in December 2019 swiftly spread to the rest of the world; fear of the deadly virus led to panic among people. Grocery hoarding and stockpiling of essentials became common, and non-prescription medications were no exception. A study conducted on Google Trends after Covid revealed a significant surge in global searches for ” self-medication”.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medication has long been a vital part of a well-established healthcare system. However, what is not widely addressed is OTC addiction alongside the advantages, self-medication using OTC medicines is also associated with inevitable risks. These risks include the potential for excessive drug dosage, polypharmacy (taking multiple medications simultaneously), drug abuse, and drug interactions.
Studies have proven that this comes with a rate estimated to be between 11.2% and 93.7%, depending on the target population and country. In India, research shows that the range falls between 8.3% and 92% among lower and middle-income groups. While several factors contribute to the increasing trend of self-medication, including a growing inclination to self-manage symptoms, rising healthcare costs, and easy accessibility of health-related information through the internet and social media.
Ultimately, the key lies in practicing responsible consumerism with, what you consume and how you consume.
Additionally, the convenience of visiting a pharmacy instead of a hospital is considered one of the most common reasons for engaging in self-medication practices. This shift is also attributed to, medical digital platforms and socio-economic benefits, which have all directly or indirectly supported this practice. Also, the absence of strict pharmaceutical regulatory standards in India has played a significant role in facilitating easy access to and excessive supply of various medications, including drugs with limited evidence of their safety profiles.
A recent study conducted in Karnataka to assess patients’ knowledge about drug adverse effects revealed that only 13% were aware of such effects. An alarming 77% were uninformed about contraindications or potential side effects of the drugs they were taking. Surprisingly, approximately 85% considered the information provided by pharmacists to be sufficient. Then again, during the dispensing of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, pharmacists usually do not inquire about the patients’ existing co-morbid conditions or drug allergies.
Based on the study findings, it can be concluded that both patients and pharmacists need to be more aware of OTC drugs to prevent the potential harmful effects of their usage. Raising awareness and improving knowledge about OTC medications are crucial steps in promoting safe and responsible self-medication practices and ultimately ensuring better healthcare outcomes for individuals.
These concerns can be effectively addressed by implementing a well-defined OTC framework that regulates the process, of some of these risks:
Drug Abuse: Individuals may misuse or overuse OTC medications, particularly those with potential psychoactive effects. This can lead to dependency, addiction, and adverse health effects.
Overdosing: Due to the easy accessibility of OTC medications, there is a risk of unintentional overdosing.
Misdiagnosis: Self-diagnosing and self-treating health conditions can lead to incorrect diagnoses, delaying appropriate medical intervention and potentially exacerbating the underlying condition.
Drug Interactions: Combining multiple OTC medications, prescription drugs, or herbal supplements without proper knowledge of potential interactions can lead to harmful side effects or reduce the effectiveness of certain treatments.
Polypharmacy: Using several OTC medications simultaneously, contributes to polypharmacy, which can increase the risk of adverse reactions and complications.
Delay in Seeking Professional Help: Relying on self-medication may delay seeking professional medical advice for potentially serious health issues.
Inadequate Management of Chronic Conditions: Individuals: with chronic health conditions may attempt to manage their conditions through self-medication, which may not be the most effective approach.
Lack of Expertise: Consumers may lack the necessary medical knowledge and expertise to make informed decisions about their health, potentially exacerbating health problems.
The combination of these risks poses significant challenges and can lead to increased healthcare utilization, with individuals seeking medical attention for complications arising from self-medication practices.
To mitigate these risks and challenges, it is important to balance consumer freedom with responsible self-medication practices. While OTC medications provide various benefits, they also come with inherent risks if not used correctly.
In India, regulatory bodies acknowledge the critical importance of establishing a strong policy framework for the optimal use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Recognizing the importance of consumer safety, the Indian government is now placing significant emphasis on OTC regulations, with the term “OTC” being recommended as a distinct category of drugs. While several initiatives like ensuring accurate labelling of products and educating pharmacists will enhance consumer awareness and safety, the implementing of a robust OTC drug policy is crucial for responsible self-care.
While healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing accurate information, guiding consumers in selecting suitable OTC products, and promoting awareness of potential risks associated with self-medication. Additionally, regulatory measures and public health campaigns can contribute to improving consumer knowledge and responsible self-care practices.
Ultimately, the key lies in practicing responsible consumerism with, what you consume and how you consume.
