Self-medication and self-prescription

Gac Med Mex. 2020;156(6):600-602. doi: 10.24875/GMM.M21000456.

Abstract

Self-medication and self-prescription are actions undertaken by patients; the former, as an element of self-care that involves over-the-counter drugs, and the latter, as a violation of the Statute of Health, since it includes drugs that can only be dispensed with a medical prescription. All the drawbacks that have been attributed to self-medication are actually associated with self-prescription.

La automedicación y la autoprescripción son acciones de los pacientes; la primera como elemento del autocuidado que involucra medicamentos de venta libre y la segunda como una violación a la ley de salud, pues comprende medicamentos que solo pueden expenderse con receta. Todos los inconvenientes que se han atribuido a la automedicación en realidad lo son de la autoprescripción.

Keywords: Autocuidado; Automedicación; Autoprescripción; Free sale; Medicamentos OTC; OTC medications; Self-care; Self-medication; Self-prescription; Venta Libre.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Prescription Drugs / administration & dosage*
  • Self Administration*
  • Self Care / methods*
  • Self Medication*

Substances

  • Prescription Drugs