Leena in jeopardy.... A Story of Self-Medication.

Mrs. Leena Patrick

Leena Patrick after Self-Medication

Mrs. Leena Patrick was a known case of Asthma since childhood. She took treatment from nearby health care center. At the age of 18 she was prescribed with steroid as anti-asthmatic drug*. Since then, she is on steroid for asthmatic attack. She consulted many physicians in India as well as in abroad (Abu Dhabi) and got same (steroidal therapy) in prescription for asthma. She followed instruction as suggested by physician.

She was not aware about the side effects of the steroidal therapy. None of the prescriber or medical professionals, she visited, told her about adverse effects of steroids. Lack of awareness about the adverse effects of steroid therapy, promoted her to use steroid as general medication for her Asthma.

Due to long term steroid intake, she became a victim of many adverse effects of steroids like Osteoporosis, Diabetes. This case is a leading example which establishes the duty of medical professionals to inform the patient about the disease and prescribed drugs. Prescriber should not only tell the side effect of drugs but also the limitations for the use of prescribed drugs.