Are Dubai residents taking medicines without doctor's prescription?

Don't take any medicine without a doctor's prescription, a top Dubai Health Authority (DHA) official has warned. Dr Ali Al Sayed, Director of the Pharmaceutical Services Department at the DHA, said that to get the maximum benefit from medication, it is important to take them exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
"You should also never take someone else's medication or give your medication to someone else and never take more or less of a medication, unless directed by your healthcare professional," he said.
With the change in weather in the UAE, Dr Al Sayed said many winter illnesses can cause the same symptoms, but they might not require the same treatment.
"If you have been prescribed an antibiotic for a previous illness and have recovered well, it is tempting to want to use the same antibiotic if you have similar symptoms. However, only a doctor who has examined you can ascertain if a winter illness requires treatment with antibiotics," he said.
Al Sayed advised that people should never buy antibiotics without a prescription, never save antibiotics for later use, never use leftover antibiotics from previous treatments and never share leftover antibiotics with other people.
"Antibiotics are not effective against viruses and therefore should not be used to treat them. Common examples of infections caused by viruses include cold and flu. Overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics can make them not work when you need them, because bacteria develop resistance to them. This resistance causes the bacteria to thrive and potentially cause more harm. Antibiotics can be very powerful in treating bacterial infections when they are used properly. To maintain their effectiveness, they should be used only when necessary."
Dr Al Sayad warned the public from mixing over-the-counter medication with prescription drugs as the substances could cause unexpected and unwanted effects when they interact with each other.
Strict no-no
> You should never take someone else's medication
> Don't buy antibiotics without a prescription
> Never save antibiotics for later use
> Never use leftover antibiotics from previous treatments and never share leftover antibiotics with other people
> Don't mix over-the-counter medication with prescription drugs
reporters@khaleejtimes.com