A SENIOR medical official has warned the public to consult with doctors before taking oral medicines, to help avoid negative side-effects and health problems that might stem from misuse of pharmaceuticals.

Professor Dr Aung Gyi, the pro-rector of the University of Medicine (2), said many problems are caused when people try to treat ailments themselves or rely on medical advice from vendors at street pharmacies and betel shops.

“These practices are very dangerous because most consumers and vendors don’t know about the possible side-effects of pharmaceuticals, or about hypersensitivity, dose intervals and duration of usage,” he said.

He said people should be aware that any medicine can be dangerous if used improperly.

“Every medicine has potential side-effects," he said. “The safest way to take medicine is with a doctor’s prescription.”

Dr Aung Gyi made his comments during the fourth health education seminar organised by Good Health Journal at International Health and Beauty Centre on Bo Aung Kyaw Road on July 28.

He said vendors at pharmacies and betel shops cannot differentiate quality drugs from fakes and know little about the efficacy, quality and safety of pharmaceutical products.

“Every drug should be taken under the supervision of a doctor to achieve better therapeutic results,” he said.

“The advantage that doctors have is that they perform medical check-ups, study the patient’s medical history, diagnose the ailment and follow up on the problem,” he said. “But vendors don’t collect this information so their suggestions could make the problem worse.”

Dr Aung Gyi also said patients should consult with doctors even if they suffer from the same symptoms as previous sicknesses.

“Some people take the same medicines they were prescribed earlier without consulting doctors if they suffer from the same symptoms again later,” he said.