It is common for people with no medical knowledge to take medications on their initiative or to recommend them to friends or relatives, just for their own experience, without being aware of the consequences they can cause. Self-medication is a deeply rooted habit that is growing in some societies, sometimes displacing medical consultation, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

“In this V National Campaign of Pharmacovigilance and Technovigilance 2023, Clinica Ricardo Palma joins to establish the best practices that favor patient safety, having our Pharmacy team as support for an adequate and safe use of medicines,” says QF. Romel Palomino, Hospital Pharmacy Coordinator of our clinic.

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Self-medication can cause:

• Side effects. All drugs, even over-the-counter drugs, can generate side effects, causing adverse reactions that can be more uncomfortable than the symptoms of the condition itself (allergies, intoxications, among others).
• Serious symptoms. When antibiotics are taken without control, bacterial resistance can be generated. Microorganisms, being constantly exposed to the drug, mutate, and develop defense mechanisms. This causes the loss of their efficacy, and the use of more powerful antibiotics is necessary.
• Lack of effectiveness. The choice of taking a drug should be based on clinical criteria, since the person may confuse the symptoms with a condition that he/she does not have and take drugs that he/she should not, for example, take antibiotics to treat viral processes.
• Organ damage. It is very important to take the right dose of medication because a low dose may not give results, while a high dose can have serious consequences, especially if you suffer from chronic diseases.

Remember:

Medications are useful, they may be able to alleviate or cure, but they can also produce harm, if they are not used in a safe and adequate way.

QF. Romel Palomino
Hospital Pharmacy Coordinator at Clínica Ricardo Palma