Medicines, supplements and self -medication: How not to endanger your health?

11. Apr 2025 at 6:25

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When we get a disease or unpleasant health problems, we reach for the solutions we have within reach – over -the -counter medicines, nutritional supplements or medical products.

But even these preparations have their rules of use, which, if we break, can do more harm than help. So how to know a wide range and avoid the most common mistakes?

Medicines, nutritional supplements and medical products: Do you know the differences?

A huge number of products that promise relief from health problems or health promotion are available on the market. Some have a proven therapeutic effect, others only supplement nutrients or help the body naturally cope with diseases.

In order not to be fooled by advertising and use them safely and efficiently when choosing them, it is important to understand the differences between medicines, dietary supplements and medical means.

1. Over -sale medications – contain the active substances intended for the treatment of mild health problems such as headacherhinitis or digestive problems. They must pass clinical tests and their efficacy is proven. Their safe use depends on compliance with the recommended dosage.

« Safety is the main criterion for the status of an over -the -counter medicine. It can only be used to treat simple symptoms of mild diseases that the patient can evaluate himself, without the supervision of a doctor, » explains MUDr. Martin Duračinský, expert guarantor virostop.

2. Medical means – They do not have a pharmacological effect, but help with health problems with other mechanisms. These include, for example, nasal sprays on a natural basis, bandages or vaginal suppositories. However, they also have to be followed by instructions for use.

3. Nutritional supplements – They contain vitamins, minerals and plant extracts to promote health. Their effectiveness is not as close as strictly as with medicines, so they should not be considered a treatment for treatment.

« If your doctor has confirmed that you need to replenish some nutrients, follow the recommended dosage. Overuse leads to the accumulation of toxic levels of certain nutrients and may endanger health, » says Immunity expert Adrián Doboly from the Natures Biotechnology Laboratory.

Over -sale drugs: When will they help and when do they hurt?

Although they appear to be safe, their excessive or incorrect use may cause health complications.

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That is why it is important not to exceed the recommended doses and not rely on medicines for more than 7 days. If the condition does not improve or even worsens, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

This article can also be found in the April issue of the monthly We are womenwhich is on sale up to 30. 4.