Unmonitored OTC drug sales for fever a cause for concern

MYSURU: At the time of first and second waves of Covid, pharmacies were not allowed to sell fever and cold medicines over the counter without doctors’ prescriptions. The health department had issued an advisory against such over-the-counter sales. It was aimed at ensuring that all fever-related cases are reported to the medical practitioners.

However, the over-the-counter sale problem has surfaced again in the district. The fever medicines are now available without prescription easily. Officials from the state health department have informed that they will look into the issue.

According to the healthcare professionals, fever cases are on a rise in the city for the last few days, but a majority are turning to pharmacies seeking medicines instead of consulting doctors or undergoing RT-PCR tests. As a result, many Covid cases go unnoticed.

According to the several pharmacy executives, people visit the shop seeking tables like paracetamol and dolo 650 among others without any prescription. “They seek these tablets like any chocolate. Many seek paediatric fever medicine also without any prescription which is a real cause of concern,” they explained.

Mysuru Pharma Forum president Sudheendra A urged the people to consult doctors before taking any medicine.

“Many come with old prescriptions seeking tablets. It is better to opt for RT-PCR test before taking any medicines. If the results come positive, there is a government notified treatment protocol. If the test result is negative, doctors prescribe required medicines. We appeal to public is please consult doctors instead of taking any medicines directly,” he said.

State health commissioner Randeep D informed that the department will take action to curb the practice.