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Poles are buying over-the-counter drugs en masse. In recent years, our demand for such drugs has increased several times. Excessive consumption of such substances can have unpleasant health consequences. Especially people suffering from chronic diseases should be careful.
- Poles occupy a leading position in Europe in terms of the number of purchased over-the-counter drugs
- Overuse of painkillers can be dangerous to our health – specialists warn
- It can be dangerous especially for people suffering from hypertension, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism or coronary artery disease.
- You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page
What drugs do we buy most often?
Many popular drugs “for colds” or “sinus pain” contain substances that should not be used in people with diseases such as hypertension, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism and coronary artery disease.
– What do we buy most often? Most often we use painkillers, medications for cold and flu symptoms, vitamins and minerals, and medications for digestive system ailments – explains Dr. n. farm. Artur Beberok, prof. Medical University of Silesia and prof. dr hab. n. farm. Dorota Wrześniok from the Department of Chemistry and Drug Analysis of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec SUM in Katowice.
The purchase of over-the-counter drugs is most often caused by self-medication, the introduction of new products to the pharmaceutical market and their widespread advertising, which, it turns out, has a huge impact on patients’ choices. As many as half of them buy the drug introduced to the market under the influence of advertising campaigns.
Over-the-counter drugs can be dangerous
Many people believe that over-the-counter drugs are safe because they are easy to buy, not only in a pharmacy, but also in a store or gas station. This leads to the belief that they can be used without restrictions and without the supervision of a doctor or pharmacist.
– However, the use of these drugs in excessive amounts, contrary to the recommendations, and taking the same substances in the form of different trade names may lead to serious health consequences, including overdose or poisoning – explains Prof. Dorota Wrześniok from the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice.
- Drug addiction is becoming more frequent
– In the case of overuse of painkillers, the most visible is the immunization of the body, which is associated with the fact that to achieve the effect (pain relief), the patient needs more and more doses, which must be taken more and more often – adds Prof. Artur Beberok.
Chronic diseases and painkillers
Many popular “cold” and “sinus pain” medications contain substances that should not be used in people with conditions such as high blood pressure, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism and coronary artery disease. Another real risk associated with the use of over-the-counter preparations is the occurrence of harmful reactions in combination with other medications, especially those taken for chronic diseases. For example, taking common pain medications may reduce the effectiveness of some antihypertensive medications.
- Dangerous over-the-counter drugs
– Therefore, people suffering from chronic diseases should be especially careful when using OTC drugs and seek the advice of a doctor or pharmacist in order to avoid undesirable health effects – explains prof. September.
Do you smoke cigarettes, are you overweight and do not move much? Check blood cholesterol levels. The “Cholesterol control – blood lipid metabolism tests” test package will help you with this – you can do them in the Diagnostics network at over 500 points all over Poland.
Experts explain that these drugs, if we have to take them, should be bought in a pharmacy, where they are stored properly. In addition, at the pharmacy, the patient has the option to consult a pharmacist about possible health contraindications or drug interactions.
– Remember, drugs, including those available over the counter, are not candies! – reminds prof. September.
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