Self-medication: An emerging global challenge, the propulsion towards antibiotic resistance and the ramifications

Dear Editor, Self-medication has been presenting as an issue aforetime the current pandemic of COVID-19 and is considered a vital reason for the irrational use of drugs causing health-associated complications. Self-medication is defined as the use of medicines or drugs to treat self-recognized illness or symptoms, the intermittent or continuous use of an already prescribed drug for chronic or recurrent diseases (WHO).[1] Due to the rising awareness and influence of the internet on lives, it is not unlikely to find people consuming over-the-counter medications, instead of visiting health centres or physicians.[2] Self-medication is prevalent globally with the rate of prevalence varying among different countries. In developing countries, self-medication is commonly practiced by the population who cannot afford clinical costs. Drugs are consumed without any medical supervision. The drugs that are most commonly used without prescription are antibiotics (59%), NSAIDs (43.31%), followed by cough and cold drugs (13.9%).[3] The inappropriate use of self-medication can pose several threats or dangers to its users. The situation has been triggered by the increase in the amount of misinformation in social spheres which can result in confusion and panic, which, in turn, acts as a stimulant or trigger to take medication by self-including various home remedies that possess no established safety or effectiveness.[4] Self-medication may cause reduced symptoms or decreased distress in the initial phase, but, it can lead to serious consequences in the long run. It involves several critical issues and remains an area where scarcity of information persists, especially in developing countries. The issue of self-medication has taken a point during the period of COVID-19, due to the unavailability of definitive treatment. Popping antibiotics, anti-virals, and steroids have gained attention and were used for treatment during the period of pandemic. During COVID-19, lockdown measures were imposed which resulted in limited access to healthcare facilities and services. The risk of acquiring infection from health employees or other patients remained the primary reason that encouraged self-medication.[4] There was an increased interest in online self-medication information during the period of 7 January 2020 to 1 June 2020, as reflected by the trend of Google searches.[5] The general prevalence of self-medication in various countries varies from about 7.3% to 85.59%, with an average prevalence of 42.64%. The prevalence varies significantly between different developing countries. Among the findings from several countries, India and Nepal have reported high rates for the prevalence of self-medication practices whereas lower rates of self-medication practice have been reported from Indonesia and Bangladesh.[6] Thus, there is a substantial need to augment the awareness regarding self-medication in the population and use legislation to promote the prudent, judicious, and safe use of medicines. Enhanced knowledge and understanding regarding self-medication can help to promote the rational use of drugs and therefore, limit the emerging issues of microbial resistance.[7] The challenges involved with self-medication practices cannot be ignored. There is a need to control the callous practice by using a consolidated approach. Self-medication should always be accompanied by suitable information regarding health and the effects of medicines. Health professionals can assume a vital role in preventing hazards or risks associated with self-medication. They can serve as behavioral models for the general population and can help to address the issue of self-medication. They can help in preventing irrational usage of medicines by increasing awareness among people. If the people, who use self-medication, have adequate knowledge related to its dose, uses, side effects, and actions, it would be safe. Improved awareness and understanding will result in the rational use of medicines. Holistic efforts or approaches should be used to deal with this escalating problem, aiming to strike a fair balance between the risks and benefits. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.