Law Warns Against Self-Medication
As of December 8, 2010, law 13.574, written by Councilman Tito Zeglin (PDT), which calls for the display of signs in the city’s pharmacies informing consumers of the risks of self-medication, is in force. Pharmacists should install signs saying the following: “Taking medicine without your doctor’s knowledge and without a pharmacist’s guidance could be prejudicial to your health” and “All medicines should be kept out of the reach of children”. The sign should be placed where it is clearly visible and any establishment that does not comply may be fined up to R$300.00.
According to Councilman Zeglin, the measure allows the consumer to be certain that the acquired product will have the desired effect on his health. In the Regional Pharmacy Counsel of Paraná’s opinion, even the purchase of remedies classified as not requiring a medical prescription should be guided by a pharmacist, as they also present risks if used indiscriminately.
The warning about the risks of self-medication is part of a national campaign. Since November 28, the National Public Health Agency (ANVISA) mandates that antibiotics should only be sold when accompanied by a doctor’s prescription, of which a copy must be retained by the establishment.
The Ministry of Health’s Public Health Secretariat warns that the wrong medication can mask the diagnosis of a disease. It can also affect people with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma, chronic kidney disease, liver dysfunction or thyroid problems.
{Photo by Irene Roiko}
