Autotratamentul şi medicamentele eliberate fără prescripţie medicală

Abstract

Background: Self-treatment doesn’t affect the cause of the disease, but only some clinical manifestations and symptoms which, in many pathological states, are often the same. As a rule, the drug is administered without taking into consideration its contraindications, interactions with other drugs and patient’s individual characteristics. Some of these drugs, have contraindications for administration, may cause adverse effects and, in case of uncontrolled usage, may lead to complications. Material and methods: 3 types of questionnaires have been elaborated for: a) doctors, b) pharmacists, c) population. 240 questionnaires have been completed, 80 for each of the groups mentioned above. Results: The analysis of the results revealed that the respondents have different attitude towards self-treatment. Positive attitude manifest 55% of respondents from population; the majority of doctors respondents (87%) and pharmacists respondents (75%) – have negative attitude towards selftreatment. Doctors mentioned in the questionnaire that self-treatment may be ineffective, inappropriate, may not comply with the disease, leads often to complications and drug’s overdosage and can delay the start of the proper treatment. The majority of doctors respondents (80%) have negative attitude towards the possibility of buying a drug without prescription; 40% of doctors respondents consider that pharmacists sell without prescription drugs not included in the over the counter list. Conclusion: The positive attitude of majority of respondents from population group demands the necessity of providing a detailed explanation about a healthy lifestyle and the risks induced by self-treatment. Only the doctor can prescribe the appropriate treatment: involving maximum benefit and minimum risks.