National Pharmacy Association voices concern over 'detox myth'
3 November 2011 00:00 in Pharmacy / Pharmacist News
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has said many British people could be putting themselves at risk by holding certain misguided beliefs about medicine.
A new survey from the organisation highlighted the proliferation of the 'detox myth' - the idea that occasionally giving the body a break from long-term medication is beneficial - as an example of this worrying trend.
The poll of more than 1,000 adults revealed that one in five people believe this myth to be true, despite the fact that such a 'detox' could potentially have devastating consequences for a person with diabetes, asthma or depression.
Other common misconceptions highlighted by the survey included the belief that children can safely be given adult medication providing the dosage is reduced.
"It's important to get the right treatment and the right advice," said Leyla Hannbeck, head of information at the NPA.
"The benefits of a frank and full conversation with a pharmacist about your medicines can be enormous," she added.
November 7th to 13th will be national Ask Your Pharmacist week, with the NPA aiming to promote the benefits of community pharmacists as a public health resource.
Other news stories from 03/11/2011
Recent news
Read more in the Zenopa News Archive
How this news is generated
Story collated for Zenopa by the Adfero News Agency
