A shopper examines a range of medications at a pharmacy on Mahabandoola Street in Yangon. Pic: Hein Latt Aung

INCREASING numbers of people are going to pharmacies and buying prescription drugs over the counter instead of making a trip to their local clinic or hospital.

And the trend has doctors and pharmacists worried.

“Pharmacists and doctors are the main source of health information and they can advise people on buying prescription or non-prescription medicines,” says Professor U Hla Myint, president of the Myanmar Medical Council.

“People should always consult their doctor or pharmacist before buying prescription medicines because if taken improperly, these drugs have the potential to harm their health,” he says.

Doctors, he says, are always mindful of their patients’ financial situation and try to save them money when possible.

“Many doctors prescribe generic drugs because they are just as effective as the branded version.

“Generic drugs are safe and cost-effective. So when you get a generic drug from your doctor or pharmacist you can feel confident that you are still receiving the best medical service,” he says.

Professor U Hla Myint warns that going to a pharmacist with a prescription is safer because many products either look or sound similar but serve different purposes.

For people who choose to self- medicate, he says, it can easily be a dangerous decision.

Yangon-based dermatologist and venereologist Dr U Soe Win Oo says he agrees with Dr U Hla Myint about people choosing to self-medicate.
“Confusing drug names is one of the leading causes of medication errors in Myanmar.

“There are thousands of drugs currently on the market and the potential to make mistakes when self-medicating is significant,” he says.

“There are many kinds of Chinese-made steroid and cortisone-based skincare medications on the local market. These kinds of medicines should only be sold to people who have a prescription from their doctor because there are many potential side-effects, like skin-thinning and discolouration,” he says.

“People should understand that no drug is without side effects and anything that potentially helps the body can also harm it,” he says.

In Myanmar, some medicines can be bought over the counter just about anywhere, even at betel nut stands. It is for this reason that many people choose to self-medicate.

Lack of awareness and lack of general knowledge of health issues among Myanmar people leads many to skip a doctor’s appointment and go straight to the pharmacist.

“When I get minor illnesses like headaches, colds, coughs or fevers, I usually buy medicines from the pharmacy without going to see my doctor because I think the problem will go away quickly. I don’t believe it is always necessary to see a doctor and I save money this way,” says 30-year-old Ohnmar.

“Every prescription medicine user must make sure they are well informed about the medicines they are buying,” says Professor U Hla Myint.

“If you are given a new prescription or if the strength of the drug changes, make sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist. It will be the best way to prevent complications.

“If you feel any bad effects after taking a new medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Also, ask questions about whatever you are being prescribed to understand it as best you can.”

Ma Myint Myint Ye, a pharmacist at May pharmacy says: “If any new brands enter the market, first we check it to confirm whether it is officially recognised by the Myanmar Food and Drug Administration.

“Everybody’s health is invaluable, so people should take care of themselves,” she says, warning that children are particularly vulnerable to harm.

Ma Thida, a mother from Hlaing township, says she agrees with Ma Myint Myint Ye about giving prescription drugs to her children without proper advice.
“I never buy any medicine for my children over the counter without asking my doctor about it first.

“I think it is also dangerous to buy drugs from any pharmacy where you are not completely sure about the pharmacist’s advice,” she says.

“Doctors are extensively trained in these matters and they are the best guides for our health matters. Whenever I feel unwell I go and speak to mine.”