Do you take medications without consulting a physician? Some people do. Thanks to the rise of affordable medications in Florida, it’s a lot easier to purchase over-the-counter medications for negligible symptoms like a cold, cough, or fever. After all, it’s just a minor condition, right? It’ll be over in a jiffy once you take your meds.
Yes, that may indeed be true. However, that is not always the case. We’re not trying to alarm you, but it’s also possible that the symptoms you have may actually be a sign of much serious condition. A condition, which if not given the right treatment promptly, can get much worse.
The adverse effects that come with self-medication don’t just stop there either. To raise awareness, Rx Care Pharmacy, a pharmacy in Orlando, Florida has created a list of reasons why you should stop the habit of self-medicating:
- It can give rise to other complications.
Drugs do not only function base on their chemical properties, but it will also depend on the person taking them. Take the drug aspirin for example. It’s a common pill that a lot of people take in order to relieve symptoms of pain, inflammation, or fever. However, if someone who had just undergone surgery were to take it, they could be at risk for a hemorrhage since aspirin has blood thinning properties. - It can bring side effects.
Medications are supposed to bring remedy and relief for the conditions that they are intended for. However, they can also give rise to side effects. Doctors often inform their patients of these side effects so they will be able to prepare for it; but if you self-medicate, you won’t be able to have that advantage. If you experience any side effects, you should consult your doctor promptly. - It can lead to addiction.
Certain drugs (such as codeine-based cough medication) can trigger addiction problems and put a patient at risk for developing an unwanted habit. On top of that, if a drug isn’t taken properly, it can also lead to an overdose or poisoning! However, if you have consulted with a physician beforehand, you will be able to take your doses properly and limit any possible repercussions. - It can cause an inaccurate diagnosis.
Some medications (such as those indicated against fever, vomiting, and pain) treat symptoms but not the underlying condition that is causing it. As a result, it can get in the way of a doctor’s disease profiling and make diagnosis difficult. At times, it may even worsen your condition by affecting your body’s natural processes.
Don’t self-medicate, consult your doctor.
It’s better to be sure than to be sorry, especially when it comes to health matters. In case you have other inquiries or concerns about the medication that you take, you can also consult our pharmacists. Go ahead and give us a call or leave us a message below. We’ll give you a response as soon as possible.
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