Health professionals in the United Arab Emirates are raising serious concerns about the increasing prevalence of self-medication among residents.
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Health professionals in the United Arab Emirates are raising serious concerns about the increasing prevalence of self-medication among residents.
Health professionals in the United Arab Emirates are raising serious concerns about the increasing prevalence of self-medication among residents. This trend encompasses a wide range of behaviours—from using over-the-counter painkillers and cough remedies without consultation to resorting to prescription drugs without professional oversight. Studies undertaken across the Emirates reveal that many individuals engage in self-medication for common ailments such as fever, cough or cold, often buying analgesics or antipyretics from pharmacies rather than seeking a medical consultation.
Experts say that while taking responsibility for one’s health is commendable, self-medication can lead to serious complications. Misusing unprescribed drugs may mask underlying illnesses, delay accurate diagnoses or even trigger dangerous drug-drug interactions. For example, frequent use of painkillers without guidance may hide symptoms of a more serious liver, kidney or cardiovascular issue. According to scientific literature, self-medication has been associated with adverse events such as incorrect dosages, dangerous interactions and a heightened risk of antibiotic resistance.
In the UAE context, the situation is compounded by a diverse population and easy access to pharmacies. Health professionals highlight that when residents treat symptoms without professional input, they may inadvertently rely on inappropriate treatments or medications meant for entirely different conditions. The misuse of antibiotics without a prescription remains a point of worry, as does the growing use of weight-loss injections and supplements without proper supervision.
Government agencies and healthcare providers are calling for better public education, stricter regulation of medication sales and expanded access to professional advice. The aim is to ensure that individuals recognise when self-care is safe and when it becomes a risk. For example, self-medication may be appropriate for a short period for mild symptoms—but prolonged use without evaluation or recurrence of symptoms should always prompt a health-check.
Ultimately, the message from experts is clear: treating every ailment as small and manageable at home may save time in the short term, but it can undermine health in the long term. With the trend of self-medication UAE on the rise, residents are advised to engage a licensed medical professional whenever in doubt and view pharmacies as a first step rather than the only step in their healthcare journey.
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