AUTOMEDICAÇÃO NO PERÍODO DA PANDEMIA COVID-19

Abstract

Self-medication consists of self-administering one or more medications without professional guidance and, with the large amount of information accessible on the internet, it has become a common habit during the new coronavirus pandemic period. This study aimed to expose the inappropriate use of prescription and exempt drugs due to their easy access during social isolation, portray the possibility of undesirable effects related to drugs, resulting from self-medication, and highlight the absence of clinical and care practice in pharmaceutical supplies to the patient. Data were obtained between March 2020 and September 2021. Chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine, vitamin C, ivermectin, azithromycin, ibuprofen and lopinavir-ritonavir are the drugs most cited in scientific articles. Antiretrovirals were reported in synergy with chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine, which was the most cited in articles related to self-medication. The incorrect use of these substances can cause serious side effects, other types of pathologies or even addiction. Therefore, the pharmacist and the multidisciplinary team must guide the patient about the rational use of medication.