Dr Sarah Jarvis explains how to use everyday medicine, and the dosage to use, especially when used for pain management.
The COVID pandemic has heightened a lack of confidence amongst the public about which medicines to take and how to use them.
Online searches for self-care have surged globally, as people take more responsibility for their everyday health.
With more people now treating themselves at home, increasing numbers have questions and concerns when it comes to using over the counter medicines the right way.
The issue was highlighted by a recent study supported by GSK which revealed that 80% of Europeans accept that it is their responsibility to manage their own health and are willing to do so, yet only two in ten feel confident to actually do this.
Supporting this, in the past two years, searches for ‘self-care’ and ‘treat at home’ have risen by 33% and 58% respectively, highlighting the need for improved patient resources regarding health self management.
One area of health that is particularly in focus is the management of pain.
Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and Clinical Director of Patient.info says,
“As a GP, I get many questions about the right way to use everyday medicines that are available over the counter.
You can find a lot of information online, but it is not always easy to know which sources to trust.
That is why I welcome the launch of initiatives like Let’s Treat it Right.
The campaign provides people with trusted information and advice, for example answering the concerns of parents who have questions about medicine dosage for their children, and elderly patients who are taking medicines for other health conditions.
This will allow people to better manage their pain themselves and do so in a responsible manner.
I believe that this approach to pain management will help to relieve pressure on healthcare systems and have a positive impact on society globally.”
According to The Global Pain Index, over three quarters (77%) of people asked wished they could control their pain better.
Back pain and shoulder pain are also among the top three most common causes of virtual doctor visits.
But, confusion about the responsible use of medicines extends beyond pain to all areas of everyday health and improved public understanding could reduce the burden on health systems, for example in helping to manage the number of doctor visits.
As a direct result of the pandemic, positive change is already being seen in this area of self-care with almost half of Europeans (41%) planning to consult their pharmacists more often, rather than wait for a doctor’s appointment.
Pain is one of the most common medical areas in which people seek information about ways to self-manage with medication.
A new campaign called Lets treat it right, supported by the makers of trusted healthcare brands Panadol and Voltaren, aims to provide clear and practical advice to the public about the right use of pain medicines, including individual needs, how much is right to take, and how to dispose of and store their pain medication safely and correctly.
The campaign contains information on four key topics – The Right Need, The Right Dose, The Right Storage and The Right Disposal.
Find out more by visiting lets treat it right
