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Always stay informed and be responsible when using over-the-counter (OTC) medicinal products. Next to safe and effective medicines, consumer information is the most important element of self-medication.
Read responses to some of our most commonly asked questions below, to help you manage your health and that of your family better.
When should I seek medical advice? 1,5,6 Self-medication with OTC medicines is sometimes referred to as 'responsible' self-medication to distinguish this from the practice of purchasing and using a prescription medicine without a doctors' prescription. This is irresponsible (and potentially even dangerous) 'self-prescription', and has no place in self-care or (responsible) self-medication.
In most countries, patients and consumers are able to have direct access to products to treat many different conditions, such as: acne, allergic conjunctivitis, arthritic pain, caries prevention, colds, cold sores, constipation, cough, diarrhoea, fever, flu prevention and treatment, hay fever, headache, indigestion/heartburn, insomnia, mild/moderate pain, minor cuts and bruises, mouth ulcers, nausea, sore throat, symptoms of PMS, topical bacterial infections and weight management.
Most healthy people recover from the conditions mentioned above without complications. If you are at special risk from complications of ailments mentioned, you should consult your health-care provider when symptoms begin. This includes the elderly, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, or children. Your doctor may choose to use certain other medication to treat the medical condition.
When should I contact the doctor and when should I seek emergency care? 7 In the case of a sick child, look out for these signs and symptoms:- Changes in appetite
- Changes in mood
- Fever
- Diarrhoea
- Ear trouble
- Eye discharge
In adults it depends on the medical condition, look for the following:5,7- If the condition doesn't improve within 48 hours after starting treatment
- Fever
- History of cardiovascular disorders
- If you are on chronic medication
- Pregnancy
What are some good places to store medications?Instead of the bathroom medicine chest which can be exposed to humidity every time you shower or bath, store medications in a cool, dry place away from bright windows or rooms affected by outside weather.
Find a place you are in at the same time every day so it will become part of your daily routine to take your medications as prescribed.
A dresser drawer or kitchen cabinet often works well. If medicines are stored in the kitchen, make sure they are away from the stove, sink and any heat-releasing appliances.
What are a few tips for proper and safe medication storage?- Store all medicines out of harm's way. That includes keeping them out of reach of children or anyone else who might misuse them.
- Post a note next to your phone with the phone number for poison control, your healthcare provider and pharmacy as a safety precaution.
- Don't store medication in the refrigerator unless directed to so.
- Don't leave the cotton plug in a medication vial. Doing so can draw moisture into the container.
- It is best to keep your medication tightly capped in its original container when not in use.
How long should I keep my medication?- Check the expiration date and if it has passed, dispose of the medication.
- Dispose of medications that have been discontinued, antibiotics that have not been finished after the course, or any medication that is obliviously discoloured, crumbly, or smelly.
- Never use a medication that has changed colour, consistency or odour regardless of the expiration date, and throw away any medication on which the label is unreadable.
- Dispose of medications that have not been stored according to recommendations, such as medication that should have been in the refrigerator but was not.
- Also, it's important to take care when disposing of unused medication. Keep out of reach of children, animals and others that may be hurt by leftover medicines.
- Many pharmacies offer medicine disposal facilities.
I am being admitted to hospital for a procedure – any advice?Your admission to hospital will depend on the type of procedure or care you will be receiving. You can attend as an outpatient, or be admitted as a day patient or an inpatient.
As an outpatient you will go to hospital for an appointment to see a specialist but you will not stay overnight.
As a day patient or day case you will be given a hospital bed for tests or surgery, but will not stay overnight. This can include treatments such as minor surgery, dialysis or chemotherapy.
As an inpatient, you will stay in hospital for one night or more for tests, medical treatment or surgery. You'll be involved in all decisions regarding your treatment throughout your stay in hospital. If you wish, staff will keep members of your family or friends informed about your progress.
For more information, check on your hospital's website.
What is a hospital admission letter?If you are due to go to hospital for elective care (pre-arranged), you will usually receive an admission letter beforehand. This will tell you the date of your admission to hospital, which ward you are going to be in, and the consultant who will be taking care of you.
Your admission letter will contain any special instructions you need to follow before your hospital procedure. For example, you may be asked not to eat or drink before attending hospital.
Your admission letter will also contain a contact number for your hospital or ward. It may be necessary to contact the hospital on the morning of your admission date to ensure that a bed is available for you.
If you are unable to attend your hospital appointment or don't feel well enough to have your treatment, operation or test, let the hospital know as soon as possible. Your admission will be rearranged for another day.
If you have decided not to go ahead with the operation or procedure, you will be referred back to your specialist.
What is an emergency admission to hospital?If you have a fall or suspected heart attack, you could be taken to a Hospital Emergency department.
Once you have been assessed you may be:- Treated but not admitted if immediate support can be provided at home
- Moved to a Medical Admissions Unit (MAU) for your condition to be monitored or tests completed before treatment is decided
- Admitted to a medical or surgical ward
When I go to hospital, what should I take with me?- Two nightdresses or pairs of pyjamas
- Clean underwear
- Dressing gown and slippers
- Small hand towel
- Toiletries, including soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner
- Sanitary towels or tampons
- Razor and shaving materials
- Comb or hairbrush
- Things to occupy you, such as books, magazines or puzzle books
Should I take my current medications with me if I am admitted to hospital? When you go to hospital as an inpatient, take all your medicines and tablets with you. It is helpful if, where possible, you take medicines in the boxes they originally came in.
Make sure that the hospital knows about all the medicines and tablets you are taking, including any supplements or herbal tablets. Some of the medicines you take may affect your treatment and your doctor may ask you to stop taking them.
You may find it helpful to make a list of the medicines you take before you are admitted, and bring it with you.
If you have a special card giving details of your current treatment, such as a steroid or warfarin card, bring this with you too.
REFERENCES:
1. World self medication industry (Wsmi.org)
2. Self medicating.info
3. www.bemedwise.org/survey/ExecutiveSummary.pdf
4. Ageing and healthcare: The role of self medication
5. MedicineNet.com
6. Healthplus24.com
7. Mayoclinic.com
8. Rainbowrehab.com
9. General medications Guidelines
10. NHS.uk
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