Coronavirus: Strictly Avoid Self-Medication

Abstract

Self-medication practices always include a certain degree of potential risk. Assuming yourself that you have a particular disease and consuming medications on your own is never safe.

The current Coronavirus (COVID-19) is declared as a pandemic of public health importance and many countries have been affected. The cases are increasing day by day and many countries have gone into lockdown.

It is true that the whole world is affected and the cases with COVID-19 are increasing daily. There is a lot of news on social media, in the news, and print media. Some of them are false and give information which are irrelevant. When many facts are hidden or unknown, it is wise to learn from the doctors or reliable sources regarding the disease and the measures to be followed. There are many posts that there are medications to treat Covid-19. All the news are not true and taking medications on your own or by just believing a myth would be dangerous. This article is regarding the medicines which have come in news as potential treatment options for Coronavirus and also as prophylaxis.

Chloroquine, a Solution?

An anti-malarial drug called Chloroquine was said to be a treatment for COVID-19, whereas, till this minute, no actual medication is known to be found. But, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) organization submitted a statement to clarify that Chloroquine is not the right choice to pause COVID-19. Before you start using a drug, make sure it gets approved by the government. There are many posts regarding the drug and its dosages. Many government orders regarding the same. But always consult a medical practitioner before taking any medications.

What Is Chloroquine?

Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine are anti-malarial drugs. It was discovered in the year 1934. They are also helpful in the treatment of lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine has lesser toxic effects than Chloroquine. This drug was tested for COVID-19 because of the drug’s anti-viral property which was described in a research article in 2003.

Toxicity of Chloroquine:

There are many side effects of this drug. The toxic effects are mainly pertaining to heart-related health issues, which might be altered heart rhythm and heart failure. It is also known to cause irreversible blindness. This drug is strongly not recommended to patients who are suffering from some retinal diseases. It is also known to reduce blood glucose levels and decrease blood cells count. Physical weakness might also be seen in a few cases. Mental health effects such as increased suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and depression might arise.

India and Chloroquine:

India, being a highly populated country and the patients are easily vulnerable to the information on the web and social media. Many pharmacies, generic and online have made medication easily accessible.

Drug Chloroquine is a generic drug that is available at a low cost. Since the media is overwhelmed with details of Chloroquine therapy, there is little or relatively no authentic news about the drug dosage and combination that is actually helpful in reducing the mortality rate in confirmed cases of Coronavirus patients.

We need to wait for some time till the drugs or vaccines identified finish the stages of trial and are approved. Also, if any new medication can be identified or discovered for the complete cure in the near future. Till then we have to stay calm, wait and watch. Self-medication is a definite “No.” in any case

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Will I Do Till the Medication Is Identified?

If you do not have any symptoms, you really do not have to be worried about it. Stay calm, but aware. If you are having a high temperature, cold, dry cough, diarrhea, and vomiting, you might need a doctor’s help. After a medication is approved by experts, it will be recommended officially by the World Health Organization.

2. What Is the Information I Should Be Knowing Till the Medication Is Known?

It is always good to know a little information beforehand. Be prepared to face anything with courage. Know a few local information about the laboratories, health services, volunteering organizations, precaution measures and updates regarding the rules of the government.

3. Is COVID-19 a Simple Disease so That It Could Be Cured by Self-Medication?

This pandemic disease cannot be that simple when it is shattering many lives. Do not try to solve health issues by self-medication, rather by self-hygiene.

4. Why Is Self-Medication Not Good?

Self-medication is not good because when taking a medication, the dosage of the medication should be well-known, otherwise it will lead to overdose. Certain drugs should be advised based on the age and weight of the individual. Taking medications without any consultation from doctors can also lead to adverse effects. Self-medication can become addictive too.

5. How Can You Prevent Self-Mediation?

Take all medicines as per the direction of a health professional. Do not share your prescription lists to anyone. Dispose expired medicines right away.

6. Why Do People Go for Self- Medication?

People go for self-medication due to the lack of awareness about the ill-effects of wrong medications. Do not believe any false news. It will cause addiction and lead to drug abuse. The most commonly abused drug is cough syrup. Though it is not dangerous, self-medication is a factor that should never be practiced.