Investigation into the clandestin use of corticosteroids among the Algerian population

Introduction. Self-medication practices are gaining popularity now more than ever. It is the use of one or more drugs for treatment without the advice of a doctor. It can involve any type of drug, including corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are highly efficient anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medications, but their long-term usage causes severe negative effects, emphasizing the significance of precautionary measures. The purpose of this study was to look at the prevalence and characteristics of corticosteroid self-medication in the Algerian population. Method. To accomplish this study, a survey was done utilizing two distinct anonymous questionnaires, one geared at healthcare professionals (community pharmacists) and the other at the general public. Result. The study found that the majority of those polled used selfmedication, with little difference between the sexes with Prednisolone being the most commonly utilized chemical. Furthermore, practically the whole population surveyed was found to be taking corticosteroids correctly. The most common reasons for using them were arthritis discomfort, COVID-19, and weight gain. The adverse effects of this self-medication practice are numerous and sometimes harmful (for example, hypertension, diabetes, and stretch marks). Unfortunately, only a minority of the patients interviewed were aware of the hazards associated with this treatment. In this regard, healthcare practitioners, whether doctors or pharmacists, must perform their critical duty of therapeutic education for patients to avoid trivializing the dangers posed by indiscriminate medication use.