Right and Wrong Uses
of Modern Medicines
49
CHAPTER
6
Some medicines sold in pharmacies or village stores can be very useful. But
many are of no value. Of the 60,000 medicines sold in most countries, the World
Health Organization says that only about 200 are necessary.
Also, people sometimes use the best medicines in the wrong way, so that they do
more harm than good. To be helpful, medicine must be used correctly.
Many people, including most doctors and health workers, prescribe far more
medicines than are needed—and by so doing cause much needless sickness and
death.
There is some danger in the use of any medicine.
Some medicines are much more dangerous than others. Unfortunately, people
sometimes use very dangerous medicines for mild sicknesses. (I have seen a baby
die because his parents gave him a dangerous medicine, chloramphenicol, for a
cold.) Never use a dangerous medicine for a mild illness.
REMEMBER: MEDICINES CAN KILL
Guidelines for the use of medicine:
1. Use medicines only when necessary.
2. Know the correct use and precautions for any medicine you use (see the
GREEN PAGES).
3. Be sure to use the right dose.
4. If the medicine does not help, or causes problems, stop using it.
5. When in doubt, seek the advice of a health worker.
Note: Some health workers and many doctors give medicines when none is needed,
often because they think patients expect medicine and will not be satisfied until they
get some. Tell your doctor or health worker you only want medicine if it is definitely
needed. This will save you money and be safer for your health.
Only use a medicine when you are sure it is needed
and when you are sure how to use it.