With the availability of drugs and medicine, many of us use them without doctor's prescription, without knowing the proper ways. Self-medication as means of self-care through the purchase of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines is, and always has been common in the society for a wide variety of minor ailments, such as headaches, colds and indigestion. But such products can often be misused or abused.
Over-the-counter medicine have emerged as drugs of serious misuse across Bangladesh and other neighboring countries. One report estimates that there are 4 million drug misusers in the South Asian region, where Bangladesh accounts for half a million of the total. Along with the common practices of self medication, almost every drug store salesperson is illegally involved in the recommendation and sells of prescription only medicines in Bangladesh.
The phenomenon of self-medication is increasing day by day and attributes as one of the main reasons for medication error and microbial resistance to the antibiotic. So, we have to keep in mind that medicine must be buying with prescription except OTC medicine and we have to take this proper way to avoid medication errors. A few simple, common sense tasks can help you to avoid medication errors and ensure your safety.
1. Be certain the prescription is legible.
2. Keep medications in their original, labeled containers or use a pill box or pill reminder to avoid errors and better organise your medications.
3. Do not take medication in the dark where you can easily pick up the wrong container.
4. Read the label every time you take a dose of medication to confirm you have the correct drug and are taking it properly.
5. Never take medication which was prescribed for another person.
6. Do not store medication in direct light, heat, or humidity.
7. Do not store ointments near toothpaste where an easy mix-up could occur.
8. Learn how to dispose of your old, expired or unused medications in a safer, more environmentally-friendly way.
9. Obtain printed information about any new medication you receive from the pharmacy.

The write up is compiled by Muhammad Arifur Rahman, Asst. Professor of Dpt of Pharmacy, Daffodil International University.
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