Self-medication, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), refers to the use of medicines without a prescription, based on the belief that non-prescription medicines are safe if used as directed. However, easy access to medicines without professional guidance increases the risks of irrational use, leading to undesirable effects and health problems. This is exacerbated by the presence of pharmacies in homes and the idea that medicines are solutions to various health problems, amplified by the dissemination of medicine advertisements on social media. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in self-medication, influenced by the dissemination of the "covid-kit", a combination of medicines promoted as early treatment, despite the lack of conclusive scientific evidence. Pharmaceutical professionals play a crucial role in raising awareness about the proper use of medicines, providing guidance and ensuring safe dispensing. Promoting Health Education is essential to alert the population about the risks of self-medication and promote the rational use of medicines. This research aims to report the risks of self-medication during COVID-19, especially among university students in the Legal Amazon, with the aim of highlighting the importance of responsible use of medicines.
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Yoga et al. (2024) studied this question.
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