Debunking the Myths! II

Earlier this month, the first installment of our Debunking the Myths series was run and incase you missed it, you can read it here.
In the same tone, we’ll continue with addressing common misconceptions that have made the rounds and are harmful to the patients and the world at large.
Myth 4: I can use my friend or relatives prescription medication since we have the same symptoms
This is not true and there are so many reasons why this should be discouraged. One of such reasons is the fact that it is absolutely illegal to do so. The fact that you know someone with what seems to be the same symptoms does not necessarily mean you have the same ailment. By doing this, you’re implying that you know what is wrong with you (i.e. Self diagnosis) and you’re going to treat it (i.e. Self medication) which is very risky for all medication as you could end up using the wrong drug e.g the wrong antibiotic for an infection thus making the situation worse.
Another reason is you could develop an allergic reaction to that drug that your friend did not have because you don’t have the same physiological make up as your friend. For example, your friend was prescribed Cotrimoxazole, commonly known as Septrin, for her symptoms and she got well. You go to said friend with what seems to be the same symptoms and they give you their Septrin, you use it and come down with an intense allergic reaction or the very rare Stevens-Johnson syndrome. How was your friend to know you had Sulpha allergies? When they were prescribed the drug, all grounds were covered by the prescriber but you on the other hand just took it from your friend. That is why this is dangerous.
One other reason why this is absolutely discouraged is the issue of drug interactions. Now, as earlier mentioned, while this friend or relative may have been properly counselled before receiving their medication, you on the other hand would just be receiving it without any information. You could be on some other medication that would interact with it but since you are not receiving your medication from the right source, you would not know that and may end up in the hospital. So to save yourself from all this, pls go see a physician whether or not you have the same symptoms with someone else or you believe you contacted whatever it is from you have from that person.
Myth 5: It is safer to abuse prescription drugs than illicit substances.
First of all, let me get this in, ALL FORMS OF DRUG ABUSE ARE WRONG AND ARE NOT TO BE ENCOURAGED. Some studies have indicated that young people think that prescription medication are safer to abuse than cocaine or heroine. The fact that prescription medicines and OTCs are commonly used to treat certain symptoms when taken as intended, does not mean that they are safer to abuse.
In fact, the reality is a lot more people die from overdoses of prescription drugs than substances like cocaine or heroine. In this clime, you have people abusing medication like cough syrups because of the codeine content, or pain killers like Tramadol, all for the euphoric feeling they get from it but what they do not realize is that its the same amount of harm or even worse.
When prescription medication or even OTC drugs are taken illegally, they may affect the brain in similar ways to the illicit substances and they often have health effects that are dangerous. For instance, Opiods like codeine and tramadol, depending on the amount taken, can depress breathing and this is dangerous especially when injected or combined with other drugs/alcohol. It could inadvertently lead to a coma or permanent brain damage.
The list of things that could go wrong from these assumptions keeps growing longer and this is why we, health professionals, have taken it upon ourselves to ensure that you are well informed to enable you make the right health and life choices. Please consult a physician or pharmacist for any health or medication-related concerns you have.

