Self -medication is often a reflex gesture: it hurts something, we look for a pill quickly without asking for a specialist. But how safe are these choices?
A study recently conducted by the Spring Farm team, in our self -medication education campaign, reveals a worrying reality: many Romanians make frequent mistakes in drug administration – without fully aware of the risks involved. Over 3,600 people participated in the survey, and the conclusions are clear: the self -medication “by ear”, the risky combinations of treatments and ignoring the prospect are common behaviors that can have serious consequences.
Andreea Ivan, pharmacist Spring Farm, underlines the importance of correct information before any treatment begins: “The medical decisions taken in the absence of a specialized consultation are common and often risky. It is natural to want a quick solution when a pain or discomfort occurs. But even when the symptoms seem minor, a short discussion with the doctor or pharmacist can make the difference. We are here to provide support, clear answers and adapted recommendations, so that each health decision is as appropriate.“
Over 62% of Romanians take treatment for pain without medical advice
Romanians frequently treat ordinary pains, such as head, back or stomach, without asking for a doctor, in an alarming proportion, over 62%.
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Even worse, 4 out of 10 Romanians venture to take drugs “by ear” including in cases of cold, flu or infections. Almost a third I recognize that they treat only digestive problems, such as bloating or constipation, and almost 30% consume drug supplements for energy and immunity without a medical evaluation.
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Another problematic aspect is that 13% of Romanians use, without medical recommendation, drugs for anxiety, stress or insomnia, thus exposing major risks, such as developing dependence, aggravation of psychic symptoms or the appearance of dangerous adverse reactions caused by drug interactions.
Among the most serious consequences of self -medication are the affectation of liver function, deterioration of digestive health and the risk of late discovery of serious diseases, because the symptoms are masked by incorrect and excessive administration of drugs. In order to avoid these risks, the pharmacist or the doctor can quickly provide clarifications and tips on the correct administration of treatments, drug interactions or choosing supplements. On the Spring Farm blog, pharmacists provide more information about the types of pain, the right painkillers and how it is administered.
1 in 4 parents treat their children without medical advice
An alarming finding of the survey concerns self -medication in children: a parent in four admits that he was given the child without a prior specialized consultation. This habit can have serious consequences, because doses and even types of safe drugs differ in children from adults.
“The administration of drugs in children should be done with rigor, because age, weight and metabolism impose adapted doses and formulations. What is safe for an adult can become contraindicated for a child. The pharmacist is a reliable partner who can help parents with adapted tips for each age so that the child’s treatment is correct, effective and safe”, Pharmacist Andreea Ivan points out.
20% of Romanians take antibiotics for flu and cold, although these conditions are caused by viruses, not bacteria
Another worrying result is the tendency of Romanians to use antibiotics as universal remedies, including in situations where they are inefficient or contraindicated. About 20% of Romanians take antibiotics for a simple cold or flu, without the recommendation of a doctor, although these conditions are caused by viruses, on which antibiotics have no effect. In the case of flu, antibiotic treatment is prescribed only if bacterial complications occur, and exclusively from a medical consultation.
“Often, patients remain with unused antibiotics because they interrupt treatment before the end, when the symptoms improve. But this habit can weaken the efficiency of treatment and favor the appearance of resistant bacteria. Half of the Romanians keep the antibiotics remaining “for the next time”, without knowing that their subsequent use, without a medical recommendation, can do more harm than good. In addition, almost 16% of respondents combine antibiotics with dairy products, which can reduce the absorption and efficiency of treatment.“Speaks Andreea Ivan
In addition, almost 16% of respondents combine antibiotics with dairy products, which can reduce the absorption and efficiency of treatment. Spring pharmacists pharmacies emphasize the need for a medical evaluation before initiating such treatment, to prevent antimicrobial resistance, a major public health problem.
7 out of 10 Romanians combine paracetamol with other drugs when they have flu or pain
I also took Coldrex, and Paracetamol, what much? The negligent combination of drugs is another risk factor revealed by the survey. Over 68% of respondents are used to combining paracetamol with complex drugs for cold and flu (Coldrex, Fervex, etc.), without realizing that they already contain paracetamol. Thus, they get to administer an excessive cumulative dose of this active ingredient.
Andreea Ivan, pharmacist Spring Farm, stresses that many of the products commonly used in viruses can become risky if not correctly understood. “Self -medication does not just mean taking what you have in the house, but it involves choices that can influence your health more than we realize. In daily practice, Spring Farm Pharmacists frequently intervene to correct the cumulative administration of paracetamol from several combined products. This unintended overdose can significantly increase the risk of liver damage. The simplest way to avoid too high dose is to ask the pharmacist. ”
Almost 10% combine the drugs they find in the house and take ibuprofen and aspirin together
Both have anti -inflammatory effect, and simultaneous administration increases the dose and risk of adverse effects, especially gastric irritations or coagulation problems. In such situations, it is indicated the use of a single drug, with the guidance of the pharmacist. Simultaneous administration of ibuprofen and aspirin, without a clear indication from a specialist, does not bring additional benefits, but can amplify the risk of adverse reactions, especially gastric irritations or coagulation disorders. The pharmacist can guide the patient in choosing the most appropriate therapeutic option, with minimal risks.
Over 1 in 3 Romanians combine treatments with supplements or natural remedies
Over one third of the respondents (37%) combine conventional medicines with various dietary supplements or natural remedies, in parallel, without asking the doctor’s advice on possible interactions.
Only 12% check (either online or consulting prospects) the compatibility of the treatments they follow. In contrast, a public segment (6% of respondents) starts from the wrong premise that if a product is “natural”, then it is automatically and lacking in danger. This assumption can lead to neglecting possible side effects or significant drug interactions.
In order to avoid such situations, it is important to seek the advice of a pharmacist or doctor before combining treatments or starting a new supplement. This is a simple but essential measure for treatment safety.
We ignore the prospectus and the expiry date but we are looking for reviews online
When we do not check the label or read the package leaflet, it is easier to make mistakes, either with the dose or with the administration mode. If you have any concerns about a medicine, you can ask the pharmacist’s advice at any time to receive correct and adapted information. 10% of respondents recognize that they use expired drugs, despite the obvious risks. Also, 11% of them took a medicine without checking on the expiry date. Only one in ten respondents reads the full prospectus of a drug before administration, and 12% bought online drugs based exclusively on internet recommendations about their efficiency.
