Common Adverse Effects Due to Self-Medication

Abstract

Background: There is no device or organ of the body is protected from adverse effect of medications. However, the skin, the liver, the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system and circulatory system are the most vulnerable to adverse effects that are diagnosed. People use medicines for prevention, cure, diagnosis and management of diseases.
Objective: This study was carried out to identify the adverse effects of drugs used by the respondents and symptoms as well as the reason of self-medication.
Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Ajman from March to June 2015. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS).
Results: Commonly used drugs were analgesic drugs. Common reported illnesses were pain and respiratory symptoms. Saving time and money, previously resolved complains were the top two reported factors for self-medication. The adverse effects reported with self-medication were vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. The majority of students stops taking drugs and consulted the doctor or pharmacist when adverse effect occurred.
Conclusion: Medical professionals are required to report all adverse effects related to a specific form of therapy. Without consulting doctor - side effects can worsen when you stop taking the drugs. Little is known about the relation of adverse effects to self-use of medication.
KEY WORDS: self-medication; medicines; adverse effects