RISKS OF SELF-TREATMENT

Abstract

Following the self-treatment, one doesn’t act on the cause of the disease, only on some clinical manifestations and symptoms which, in many pathological states, are often the same. As a rule, the drug is administered without taking in accounting it’s contraindications, interactions with other drugs and patient’s individual characteristics. 3 types of inquests have been elaborated for: a) doctors, b) pharmacists, c) population. 240 inquests have been completed, 80 for each of the groups mentioned above. Positive attitude manifest 55% of respondents from population; the majority of doctors respondents (87%) and pharmacists respondents (75%) ‒ show negative attitude towards self-treatment. Doctors mention in the inquests that self-treatment may be ineffective, inappropriate, may lead to complications, drug’s overdosage and can delay the start of the appropriate treatment. The majority of doctors respondents (80%) show negative attitude towards the possibility of buying a drug without prescription; 40 % of doctors respondents consider that pharmacists release without prescription drugs not included in the OTC list.

Keywords

• self-treatment
• adverse effects
• otc (over the counter) list