what are the consequences of irrational use of medicines?

Consequences of irrational use of medicines

 Irrational use of medicines occurs in all countries, causing harm to people and wasting resources.

• Consequences include:

     -Antimicrobial resistance.

     -Adverse drug reactions and medication errors.

     -Lost resources.

     -Eroded patient confidence

Antimicrobial resistance.

• Overuse of antibiotics increases antimicrobial resistance and the number of medicines that are no longer effective against infectious disease.

• Many surgical procedures and cancer therapies are not possible without antibiotics to fight infection.

• Resistance prolongs illnesses and hospital stays, and can even cause death, leading to increase costs.

• Adverse drug reactions and medication errors. Harmful reactions to medicines caused by wrong     use, or allergic reactions to medicines can lead to increased illness, suffering and death.

Lost resources.

• Between 10–40% of national health budgets are spent on medicines.

• Out-of-pocket purchases of medicines can cause severe financial hardship to individuals and their families.

• If medicines are not prescribed and used properly, the income of public and personal funds are wasted.

 Eroded patient confidence.

-Exacerbated by the overuse of limited medicines, drugs may be often out of stock or at unaffordable prices and as result erode patient confidence.

-Poor or negative health outcomes due to inappropriate use of medicines may also reduce confidence.