By Amina Tabassum, BS AHS (Anesthesia), Department of MLT, Haripur, KPK, Pakistan.
Supervised by: Samsaam Fazal, MS-AHS
Affiliation: The University of Haripur
Self-medication has become a common habit in Pakistan. Many people buy medicines on their own without consulting a doctor, thinking it will save time or money. However, this practice can be very dangerous and may lead to serious health problems.
One of the biggest risks of self-medication is wrong diagnosis. People often assume they know what disease they have, but many symptoms look similar. A simple headache may be a sign of dehydration, stress, migraine, or even high blood pressure. Taking the wrong medicine does not cure the real problem — it only hides the symptoms temporarily.
Another major danger is misuse of antibiotics. In Pakistan, antibiotics are often taken without prescription. When people stop them early or take the wrong type, bacteria become stronger and resistant. Antibiotic resistance is now a growing threat, making common infections harder to treat.
Self-medication also leads to harmful side effects. Medicines like painkillers, sleeping tablets, and cough syrups can damage the stomach, liver, or kidneys when used incorrectly. Some people even mix multiple medicines together, not knowing that drug interactions can be life-threatening.
In addition, many people rely on advice from friends, shopkeepers, or social media instead of medical professionals. This increases the risk of using medicines that are unsafe, expired, or unnecessary.
To protect public health, awareness is essential. People must understand that every medicine has side effects and should only be taken under medical supervision. Pharmacies should avoid selling prescription drugs without proper authorization. Most importantly, individuals should develop a habit of consulting qualified doctors before taking any medicine.
Self-medication may seem convenient, but its hidden dangers can cause long-term harm. Responsible use of medicines is the key to staying safe, healthy, and protected.
