Why Medicines Are Not Candy Even If They’re Colorful

Sep 25

2 min read

World Pharmacist Day 2025

By Shruti More, Pharmacist & Product Manager (Cardio-Diabetic & Derma Segments), Inducare Pharmaceuticals and Research Foundation

As a pharmacist working in pharma product management, I’ve had countless conversations with doctors where one thing keeps repeating patients often Google their symptoms, take medicines on their own, and then land in clinics or hospitals with worse problems than they started with.

Real Examples Doctors Share

· Case 1 – The “Internet Antibiotic” Patient

A physician recently told me about a young man who searched on internet “fever treatment” and started himself on leftover antibiotics from his cousin. Within a week, he developed severe diarrhea and dehydration due to antibiotic misuse. When the doctor checked, the fever was viral all along antibiotics were never needed. Antibiotics are not universal cures. Misuse leads to side effects and antibiotic resistance (WHO, 2023).

· Case 2 – Painkillers for Acidity

A cardiologist shared about a diabetic patient who often had chest discomfort after meals. Instead of visiting a doctor, he kept taking over-the-counter painkillers and antacids. By the time he finally came to the hospital, he had severe gastritis and uncontrolled blood pressure. NSAIDs (painkillers) can worsen acidity, raise BP, and damage kidneys especially risky in cardio-diabetic patients (American Heart Association, 2022).

· Case 3 – Steroid Cream Misuse

A dermatologist narrated how a patient with mild acne used a strong steroid cream recommended by a friend because internet said it works for skin problems. Short-term, the skin cleared, but long-term, the patient developed thinning skin, dark patches, and steroid-induced acne. Dermatology medicines need professional guidance misuse can leave permanent scars (Journal of Dermatology, 2023).

Why Does This Happen?

Because in today’s world, Dr. Internet is faster than visiting a clinic. But the internet doesn’t know your age, medical history, sugar levels, or blood pressure. It gives general information, not personalized care. Medicines, whether for the heart, sugar, or skin, are powerful chemical entities, not casual snacks. Taking them without professional supervision is like trying to fix a car engine by watching one YouTube video you might get it running for a while, but you can also destroy the whole system.

The Role of Pharmacists

At Inducare Pharmaceuticals and Research Foundation, we believe pharmacists are the bridge between doctors, medicines, and patients. Our role goes far beyond handing over a strip of tablets or launching a product. We ensure:- Correct dosage for cardio-diabetic patients (because even small mistakes can be dangerous). Right dermatological guidance (because skin misuse leaves scars literally). Safe drug interactions (because diabetes, BP, cholesterol, and skin treatments often overlap). Patient awareness, so medicines heal instead of harm.

Conclusion:

This World Pharmacist Day, our message is clear Medicines are not candy even if they look colorful or taste sweet. They are powerful, life-saving tools when used correctly, but dangerous when misused. Instead of relying on internet searches or a neighbor’s advice, trust your healthcare team your doctor and pharmacist. Because at the end of the day, medicines are science, not guesswork. And your health deserves more than a Internet search bar.