Self-medication is defined as the selection and use of medicines by individuals to treat self-recognized or self-diagnosed conditions or symptoms. Several benefits have been linked to appropriate self-medication, among them: increased access to medication and relief for the patient, the active role of the patient in his or her own health care, better use of physicians and pharmacists skills, and reduced (or at least optimized) burden of governments due to health expenditure linked to the treatment of minor health conditions. However, self-medication is far from being a completely safe practice, in particular in the case of irresponsible self-medication by patients. Potential risks of self-medication practices include: (a) incorrect self-diagnosis, (b) delays in seeking medical advice when needed, (c) infrequent but severe adverse reactions, (d) dangerous drug interactions, (e) incorrect manner of administration, (f) incorrect dosage, (g) incorrect choice of therapy, (h) masking of a severe disease, and (i) risk of dependence and abuse.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: In this short review, the author analyzes recent literature on some of the most important dangers related to self-medication practices, particularly polypharmacy and drug interactions, medications abuse or dependence, misdiagnosis, and incorrect choice of treatment. The author also proposes measures that could be adopted in order to solve or improve these issues.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE CONSUMER:
If a drug is prescribed for you, it is ultimately up to you to take the correct and effective dose. If you have any questions about this task, you must clarify the issue with your health care provider. Self-monitoring and medication taking are components of self-management programs; thus, the need to become involved in such a program

ME Ruiz. Risks of Self-Medication Practices. Current Drug Safety, July 2, 2010.