To self-medicate or not to? That is the question.

Self-medicating may be harmful to your health. Is it right for us to be doing so and when do we know we have gone overboard?

Most people who are on Medical Aid schemes have resorted to self-medication to save on their day- to-day benefits. This is done to cut out the consultation fee, which usually adds up to a lot of money and contributes to depleting the members’ day-to-day benefits.

Those who do not have medical aid or cannot afford it, consult with pharmacists and also cut out the consultation with an attempt to cut on costs. The question is, who is diagnosing us and is the diagnosis correct?

We are diagnosing ourselves and this undermines the role of our doctors. Self-diagnosing could worsen our conditions and also lead to complications. Although symptoms are vital in identifying an illness, you are unable to perform the necessary medical tests.

There are many conditions that present similar symptoms, which can be misleading.  Treating yourself could worsen your real condition.

• Everyone is different, therefore taking medication that your friend used for the same type of sickness might not work for you
• Mixing medication can also be toxic, and deadly if not used properly
• Your body can build resistance, especially when using antibiotics without consulting your doctor
• You could also aggravate an existing condition
• Last but not least, you could become addicted to medication, such as pain killers.

Rather consult your doctor and treat the correct symptoms.