Danger of taking medication without doctor's advice

Many people in our country are not aware of the dangers of taking medication without a doctor's advice. If they have a fever, they go to the pharmacy and buy paracetamol. If they feel pain, they buy painkillers without any diagnostic test or prescription. This practice has become very common in our country.

Taking medication without a doctor's advice may be dangerous. People's strength and physical condition vary from one person to another. What is effective for one may cause a problem to another. Some people even stop taking medication as soon as they start feeling better, without consulting with their doctors.

It is high time we took measures to increase public awareness about the importance of taking medicine as prescribed by the doctor.  

Sajal Chandra Das, Barisal University