Study finds 'worrying' lack of knowledge on medicines
Wednesday June 13 2007
ALMOST one in every two people would give aspirin to a child under 16 years - even though it could have fatal consequences, a survey has found.
The common painkiller should never be given to young people as it could lead to a potentially fatal disorder known as Reyes Syndrome, a condition that can affect the brain and liver. The worrying state of public knowledge was revealed in a survey carried out by Lansdowne Market Research to coincide with a new household reference guide on non prescription medicines called 'Know Your Medicine'.
Four in 10 said they would take aspirin for stomach pain although it is potentially dangerous for these symptoms because the pain could be a signal of ulcers.
The ulcers may be forced to perforate which would require emergency hospital admission. It also revealed how just 34pc of women were correctly informed about the safety of taking another painkiller, paracetamol, during pregnancy.
Safe
Dr Martin Henman of the School of Pharmacy in Trinity College said while it is safe it should be used sparingly at the recommended dose and medical advice should be sought if the problem for which the painkiller is taken persists.
Dr Henman warned: "It is important to remember that just because medicines are available without prescription it does not mean that they carry no risk if used carelessly or inappropriately.
"It is vital that the public always make an informed choice when they seek and use over-the-counter medication and this publication will help people do that."
He pointed out that Irish households consumed around €1.3bn worth of prescription medicines last year but if just 5pc of these were switched to 'responsible' over-the-counter medication there would be a saving of €151m.
He said the survey showed that less than one in three knew they could self medicate symptoms for thrush with treatments from their local pharmacy and the rest would go to their doctor.
It found however that 85pc of the public would be confident to receive treatment for a minor illness from their pharmacist rather than a GP if this option was available.
Advice
Commenting on the findings John Corr of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) said the advice is to always take advice from their pharmacist before taking a non-prescription medicine.
He called on the Health Service Executive to begin a public awareness campaign on the safe use of non-prescription medicines .
The pharmacists' body is to raise awarness about the safe use of common painkillers over the summer.
It is also to conduct its own information campaign in September informing people how to manage their ailments and raise awareness about how to treat minor conditions with over-the-counter products.
- Eilish O'Regan
