Abstract

Self-medication, the practice of using medicine - Over The Counter (OTC), prescription (Rx), or alternative/complementary - without direct physician involvement and guidance has been on the rise due to increased information, individuals wanting to play a larger role in their healthcare, and the availability of OTC medications. While self-medication has its benefits, namely avoiding patient costs and providing resources for minor illnesses and injuries, complications can arise from this practice. Many at-home medical errors can be attributed to self-medication practices where patients took too much, too little, the incorrect type, or the incorrect delivery of medicine. In the age of the internet, healthcare providers, such as doctors and pharmacists, who play an active role in medication, become less relevant when patients decide to self-medicate. Patients may not know how to navigate dosing instructions or be aware of adverse drug interactions, which are two of the main concerns when it comes to self-medication. Certain demographics, including young children, older adults, and those with low health literacy are especially susceptible to incorrect self-medicating practices, including accidentally under/over-dosing, medication non-adherence, and taking multiple medications that have significant interactions. Increasing education and health literacy regarding self-medication, improving patient-provider communication in innovative ways, and creating smart dosing and adherence devices are all trends we will continue to see as self-medication practices expand.

Keywords: Social determinants; Self-medication; Adherence to medication; Patient compliance Effective drug treatment with patient counselling; Role of healthcare professional