Self-Medication in peru during the COVID-19 pandemic: How harmless it could be?

Abstract

Self-medication is a public health problem; this practice has been increasing during the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This practice may be responsible if the over-the-counter medication used is safe and does not cause major adverse effects. However, the most frequent practice in Peru is irresponsible self-medication, which is characterized by the use of medications that require a medical prescription, due to the complexity of their use.In Peru, approximately 3 out of 4 people self-medicate and 1 out of 2 does it irresponsible.This could be due to several factors, including those associated with the health system and the lack of health insurance. Likewise, it is worth noting the influence of pharmacy staff and the media, who promote misinformation and self-medication in Peru....