Consuming OTC or Over-the-Counter medicines is a common practice in India. From minor inconveniences such as a common cold or a headache to serious issues like joint pain or migraines, OTC medication is the go-to option for many people. This practice of consuming OTC drugs often appears to be timesaving. Visit the nearest pharmacy, ask for an OTC drug that cures your illness, and consume it without consulting a doctor. Quite convenient! What people don’t realize is that this approach can do more harm than good. Read on to know how:
There are several concerns and drawbacks that come with self-prescribing and consuming medicines without consulting a general physician. On that note, we present a few reasons OTC drugs may not be your savior!
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Side Effects
Every medicine comes with a set of side effects. Until and unless you are a general physician, you can never understand the complications that come with side effects. Commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs, for instance, can have a number of side effects such as stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, skin rash, and blurred vision. In addition, when you are under medication for a condition like Type-2 Diabetes, you might have to consume a set of medicines for various comorbid conditions. OTC drugs can interfere with your medication and pose a serious threat to your health.
Inaccurate Dosage
The dosage of an OTC drug depends upon several factors like the age, height, weight of an individual. A recent study highlights that most people consuming OTC drugs are unaware of the dosage, frequency and timing. That is why it is always advisable to consult a general physician before consuming any OTC medicine. Improper dose might lead to other health complications. It is, therefore, best to avoid self-administering any medicines and rely on a trusted general physician to prescribe the dosage. Inaccurate dosage can prove detrimental for your health.
Masking the Real Issue
A doctor treats your illness, not the symptoms. Issues such as headaches, body pains, rash or flu-like symptoms might point towards a deeper problem that only a general physician can diagnose. Consuming OTC medication may end up masking your symptoms and hiding the root cause behind your discomfort. If suppressed for too long, the underlying condition is bound to worsen and may even turn life-threatening.
Wrap Up
When it comes to dealing with a health issue, the safest bet is consulting a general physician, rather than relying on OTC medications. General physicians are trained to diagnose your diseases and prescribe a suitable treatment based on the dynamics of your case. They also guide you towards the right specialist or super specialist, if necessary. For minor inconveniences, OTC drugs may seem useful, but why take the risk of subjecting yourself to drug interactions, improper dosing or burying your real illness by suppressing the symptoms? If you wish to consult a leading general physician in Delhi or Gurgaon, look no further than Meddo, India’s first full-service clinic chain aggregator. We can connect you with all sorts of specialists with full-service healthcare centers, with general physicians being no exception. If you have any questions, write to us at contact@meddo.in or call +91 87 5200 5200.
