A tablet suggested by a neighbour, an old prescription reused, a strong painkiller bought straight from the medical store, or a “remedy” forwarded on WhatsApp: self-medication is extremely common in India. It may seem quick and convenient, but it can cause serious harm. In this video, Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Intensivist, explains why taking medicines without a doctor’s advice can be dangerous.

Why self-medication is risky

1. It hides the real disease. Medicines may temporarily reduce symptoms like fever, cough or pain while the underlying illness keeps progressing. Conditions like TB, pneumonia, heart disease or cancer may be diagnosed late because symptoms were suppressed with self-medication.

2. Wrong medicine, wrong dose. Without a proper diagnosis, people often take the wrong medicine, too high a dose, or for too long. Combining several medicines can lead to the same ingredient being taken twice by mistake.

3. Medicines most commonly misused:

• Antibiotics: useless for viral fever and cold, and misuse leads to antibiotic resistance
• Painkillers like ibuprofen and diclofenac: can cause stomach ulcers, bleeding, kidney damage and raised blood pressure, and are dangerous in dengue
• Steroids: give quick relief but can raise blood sugar, weaken immunity and increase the risk of serious infections when used without supervision
• Cough syrups: some contain ingredients that can cause drowsiness or dependence, and many coughs need treatment of the cause, not just suppression
• Sleeping pills and anti-anxiety tablets: can be habit-forming

4. Side effects and interactions. Medicines can interact with each other or with existing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney, liver or heart disease, and can be unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

5. Higher risk for some people. Children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of self-medication.

How to use medicines safely

• Consult a doctor for any illness that is severe, lasts more than 2–3 days, or keeps coming back
• Don’t reuse old prescriptions or take medicines prescribed for someone else
• Read labels carefully and never exceed the recommended dose
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements and home remedies you are taking
• Don’t stop prescribed medicines on your own

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com