HEALTH – Self-medication harms the body

Purchasing and taking medications outside pharmacies and without professional advice is always dangerous. A 34-year-old woman had to undergo treatment for a week after taking medicine purchased from a grocery store in Ankadindratombo. Self-medication is also cited as one of the contributing factors to various diseases. “I bought paracetamol in a small grocery store without carefully checking the packaging,” explains Malala Rakotoniaina, who later discovered that it was not paracetamol despite the merchant’s assurances. “This led to me spending four days in the hospital because of diarrhea.” This tragic experience highlights the importance of vigilance when it comes to health safety, a warning that doctors continue to emphasize.

Taking medications without medical consultation can lead to various more serious illnesses. “There is a risk of toxicity due to incorrect dosing or misdiagnosis. Ignoring side effects can also be dangerous because you may tolerate them poorly. In addition, you could be allergic to the medicine or one of its components without knowing it,” explains Dr. Fanja Rakoto, a doctor in a private clinic. Self-medication can also lead to drug resistance. It is therefore essential to always consult a doctor to ensure your health.

Difficult task

Most people buy these medications in small quantities. Sometimes it is even difficult to read the name of the medicine or its expiration date. Although these medications are more affordable, their side effects can be serious. “I have already spent nearly 900,000 ariary thinking that I would only pay 2,000 ariary for the medicines supposed to cure me,” testifies one victim. Even without hospitalization, costs can quickly add up with repeated doctor visits. Taking the wrong treatment can also delay diagnosis. Doctor Fanja Rakoto even mentioned having treated a patient for the same problem for almost 3 million ariary.

It is crucial to consult doctors and purchase medicines only from pharmacies or drug depots to reduce risks. On the other hand, the fight against the illicit sale and counterfeiting of medicines remains an arduous task, according to a source from the Ministry of Public Health. There are many obstacles within society, and much remains to be done.

Miora Raharisolo