𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡

…𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒎𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒍𝒖𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒅𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉

By Sonam Choden

Medication myths continue to influence health behaviors and treatment outcomes across Bhutan, despite improvements in healthcare infrastructure and access. Misconceptions about medicines affect how people seek care, follow prescriptions, and manage chronic illnesses.

One common myth is that medicines from well-known companies are inherently more effective than those from smaller or lesser-known manufacturers. Kezang Tshering, Clinical Pharmacist Head at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, said, “The overall effectiveness of the medicine depends on the active ingredient, the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API), in the product and not the type of brand.” Medicines imported into Bhutan are regulated by the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority, which ensures that all products meet international safety and efficacy standards. Standard testing guarantees that medications dispensed from healthcare facilities are of acceptable quality.

Cultural beliefs, traditional practices, and advice from family or friends further reinforce misconceptions. Patients often switch or discontinue prescribed treatments without consulting healthcare professionals. Kezang explained, “Following poorly studied traditional medicines or home remedies for diabetes and hypertension is common but can result in serious health complications.” Such practices are particularly risky for antibiotics, painkillers, and chronic disease medications, where improper use can reduce treatment effectiveness or cause adverse outcomes.

Patients report confusion and mixed feelings about medications. Pema Lhamo, 24, admitted, “I stopped taking my antibiotics once I felt better because I thought I was cured. Later, my infection came back, and I realized I needed to finish the course.” Similarly, Dorji, 38, said, “I avoid taking painkillers because I fear they might harm my liver. Even when I have headaches, I try to wait it out instead of taking the medicine.”

Misuse of medications, including discontinuing prescribed courses, self-medication, and combining traditional remedies with modern pharmaceuticals, poses serious health risks. Kezang said, “Stopping critical medications, such as anti-diabetic or antihypertensive drugs, can lead to kidney failure, stroke, or other complications.” Health professionals stress that unsupervised self-medication or mixing treatments can produce unexpected consequences over time, highlighting the importance of following professional guidance.

Antibiotics are a particular concern. Many people incorrectly believe they can treat all illnesses, including viral infections like influenza or the common cold. Health experts emphasize that antibiotics only work against bacterial infections, and misuse contributes to antibiotic resistance. Stopping antibiotic courses prematurely allows surviving bacteria to multiply and become harder to treat.

Traditional and herbal remedies remain important in Bhutanese healthcare. While culturally significant and sometimes effective for minor ailments, these remedies are not always safer than modern medicines. Combining them with prescription drugs without professional oversight can reduce effectiveness or cause harmful interactions. Health professionals stress the need for patients to disclose all treatments to their doctors or pharmacists to ensure safe care.
Painkillers and dosing practices are another source of misunderstanding. Some people avoid medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen due to fears of addiction or long-term harm, even when short-term use is safe. Others assume higher doses speed recovery. Both practices are dangerous: avoiding pain relief prolongs suffering, while overdosing can cause toxicity or organ damage. Physicians stress that adhering to prescribed doses and usage guidelines is critical for effectiveness.

To address these myths, healthcare professionals rely on patient-centered education. Individual counseling helps patients understand the importance of adherence, potential complications of non-adherence, and broader healthcare costs. Kezang said, “Repeatedly explaining the future complications and also the overall cost spent by the government helps achieve a positive attitude towards their treatment and enhance their overall belief in medicines.”

Public health campaigns also play a vital role. Prevention and education are particularly important for older patients managing chronic illnesses. Kezang noted, “A single or general treatment approach will not work for every individual patient; therefore, discussing the individualized treatment approach with your healthcare workers is the key to achieving optimum efficacy and minimum adverse events from their treatment.” Campaigns that emphasize adherence, individualized care, and evidence-based guidance can foster a more informed public, reduce medication misuse, and improve health outcomes.

Bhutan faces a careful balance between respecting cultural practices and promoting safe medication use. Misconceptions regarding antibiotics, painkillers, traditional remedies, and dosing practices endanger individuals and have broader public health implications. Experts say that patient education, professional guidance, and culturally sensitive public health strategies are essential. Addressing misinformation and promoting safe medication use can improve treatment outcomes, reduce drug resistance, and ensure that modern medicine provides its intended benefits.