A telephonic survey has been recently conducted by ‘Harris Interactive’ on behalf of the National Council on ‘Patient Information and Education (NCPIE)’ to determine the various circumstances under which consumers are most likely to succumb to self-medication for themselves and their children. The survey was supported by ‘sanofi-aventis’. Sample of 1,005 adults’ ages 18+ were randomly selected and interviewed out of which 650 were exclusively identified for self medication before or instead of visiting their doctor.

It also attempted to know the different factors which encourage consumers to take non-prescription or over-the-counter medications before or instead of consulting their doctor.

The results show that 76% of American adults in spite of knowing the risks involved use non-prescription medications in order to save time, money and a trip to the doctor. Most of the consumers were found self treating seasonal allergies and year-round allergies. Few percent also reported self-medicating for cough and cold, seasonal or year-round allergies, heartburn, or severe headaches. Most of them admitted doing this due to past experience treating the condition however the majority accepted the possibility of risks involved while doing this.

The survey also revealed other alarming facts like not using the non-prescription medications as directed or even ignoring the risks involved after the self medication. Most of the consumers admitted taking either taking more than the recommended dose or by taking these medications more frequently than indicated. Even few remember driving a car while self administering medicines for seasonal allergy even though it is known that they might leave the user to be impaired which is clearly mentioned on the labels of these medicines.

Ray Bullman, Executive Vice President of the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) cautions the consumers to be careful and suggests that damage could be easily avoided by asking questions, understanding and following the instructions given on the labels. It is advisable to discuss with the doctor or pharmacist about the same and before taking any medication, we ought to educate ourselves responsibly to avoid associated risks with self-indulgence into medication.

He says, “No matter what medication you are taking, whether it is prescription or should always be taken with care.”

In addition to the various ailments lie cold and cough, seasonal allergies which lead the consumers to indulge into self medication and the various factors motivating them to do so, the survey also put light on the symptoms, these consumers experienced certain symptoms constantly lie nasal congestion etc. This has often ended their visiting the doctor for the cure or seeking an alternate treatment which has cost them more money and time.

Dr. Eli Meltzer who is a co-director of the Allergy & Asthma Medical Group and Research Center in San Diego, Calif says, “At times it can be very difficult for individuals to distinguish the symptoms of a viral cold from those symptoms due to seasonal allergies.”

Dr. Meltzer further suggests that it is always better to visit your doctor or health provider to have a correct diagnosis Therefore, to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate advice for prescription and non-prescription medication.