A prática da automedicação no Brasil: considerações teóricas - reflexivas

Abstract

Self-medication is the administration of medication without guidance or prescription. The Brazil takes fifth place in the global list of medicine consumption, being first in consumption in Latin America. This may be related to 24,000 deaths annually in Brazil for drug intoxication. Given this context, become necessary preventive measures in order to contribute to the daily reduction of risks caused by self-medication. Thus, there was a theoretical and reflective study aimed to reflect about self-medication practice in Brazil from theoretical basis, considering the importance of public policies to promote rational use of medicines. To this end, there was the need for regulation and stricter supervision of the sale and dispensing of medicines in Brazil. Yet it is necessary strategic programs, educational activities as well as public health policies that seek to raise awareness about the risks of self-medication.