Self-Medication: Cutting Costs Today, Paying the Price Tomorrow

Introduction

It is no longer news that everyone is looking for ways to cut costs and make life move faster and easier. But one question you should always ask yourself is this: Will I include my health in the cost-cutting? Is it really wise to save money through self-medication?

The next time I feel cold and hot at the same time, should I be running to the pharmacy to get malaria drugs, or should I be reaching out to my physician?

Afterall, there is hardly any difference between self-medication and doctor google—cut from the same cloth. 

What is Self-Medication?

Self-medication is the use of one or more drugs that are not prescribed by a physician or controlled by a medical health organization. It is the usage of drugs/medications, supplements, or home remedies without proper medical guidance. This could be from past prescriptions, advice from friends, or simply guessing based on symptoms.

It looks convenient — especially when you’re dealing with headaches, stomach upsets, or flu symptoms. But without a professional’s input, it becomes a gamble.

Why Self-Medication Feels Cheaper (But Often Isn’t)

1.  Cost Looks Lower

 Yes, buying a pack of antibiotics or painkillers feels cheaper than paying to see a doctor. But if the drug doesn’t address the real problem (which it often doesn’t), you would end up with more money spent, prolonged physical and psychological suffering as the condition persists, potential complications from said condition, potential antibiotic resistance…to mention a few.

2. Risk of Misdiagnosis

 You may think it’s malaria, but it could be anything, even early-onset cancer. Lol, this is not to scare you. Treating the wrong illness wastes not just money, but time. Time you could have spent living and being productive.  Let’s not forget that it can make you resistant to certain classes or groups of medications.

3. Side Effects and Drug Interaction

 Mixing drugs without guidance can lead to complications. These side effects may require additional treatment, which drives up costs and prolongs the duration of suffering. And it only prolongs suffering. Let’s be honest — illness in any form is suffering. Physical, emotional, psychological, financial. Sit with that for a second. Right? Exactly. Moving on… 

4. Hidden Financial Losses

 When the illness lingers, you lose productive workdays. You also spend extra on “trial and error” remedies that never solve the real issue.

How to Spend Less the Smart Way

• Seek Medical Guidance First: Even a telemedicine consultation is cheaper than treating complications later. This is because you receive a proper diagnosis and target specific medications for treatment. Maximally lower risk of complications and exponentially raised chances of a cure or resolution. 

• Use Health Insurance: Many health insurance plans cover consultations and reduce drug costs.

• Don’t Stockpile Prescriptions: You are not operating a thrift business with your health, do not rollover medications. What was prescribed yesterday may not be what’s recommended for today’s complaint.

• Invest in Prevention: Regular checkups and a healthy lifestyle are cheaper than repeated treatments. The science and practice say so.

Conclusion

Health is wealth, as people say. When you have the opportunity to determine your health issues and find solutions, please do so rather than self-medicate. 

Self-medication feels like saving money, but in reality, it often costs more financially, physically, and emotionally. The smarter option is to consult a professional, get the right diagnosis, and treat the root cause from the start.

Are you ready to start investing in your health? Please reach out to our doctor.