For some, ‘Dr Google’ helps to cut costs

PETALING JAYA: It seems that more and more people are turning to “Dr Google” for self-diagnosis and treatment. Some of them are even resorting to consuming expired medication that has been kept at home for a long time. The reason why they choose these options is because they find them convenient and cost-effective.

Adele Mok (not her real name), a 34-year-old beautician, said that “Dr Google” has made it easier for her to search for symptoms and treatments. She suffers from sinusitis and recurrent respiratory disease and often has medications for respiratory illness at home. She stated, “Usually, when I have another attack, I use these medicines. I also google the medicine’s name to understand its uses. If the symptoms persist or worsen, only then will I seek medical attention.” Despite the health community’s warnings about relying on the Internet for self-diagnosis and self-medication, Mok finds the online information helpful for treating some of her symptoms. She said, “So far, it has worked for me; it provides the relief I need and saves me time and money from going to the doctor.” Mok asserted that she is not concerned about the safety aspects since she is aware of the effectiveness of the medicines. She even consumes medications that were prescribed over a year ago, as long as they are still sealed and have not started to disintegrate.

M. Raj, a 25-year-old, also keeps spare medicines at home for treating minor ailments. He admitted to using medicines past their expiry date as long as they are still in their packaging. He said, “Sometimes they work.” He also relies on the internet for searching symptoms. Raj added, “Sometimes, I get a little worried when the symptoms resemble those of serious illnesses, and that’s when I seek medical attention. But sometimes, the information on the internet is accurate enough, and the treatment prescribed works for me.” Ahmad Karim, a 45-year-old technician, sees self-medication as a helpful solution, especially during times of high living costs. He mentioned that a clinic visit may cost around RM50 to RM100, and the waiting time at a government health facility tends to be long, with no facility nearby his location. “Healthcare costs are no longer affordable. Reusing these medicines helps save some money,” he said. Ahmad also stated that when he or his family members go to a clinic, they keep the prescribed medicines for future use. They store them in the refrigerator and use them when someone falls ill. If the stored medicines fail to provide the desired effect, then they have no choice but to seek medical attention. The longest duration Ahmad stored medications in the refrigerator was two years. When asked if he is aware of the dangers of self-medication and consuming expired medicine, Ahmad said he is more concerned about the cost factors.