Nearly 80 % of Americans report using an over-the-counter medication in the past year to treat at least one of the ailments they suffer from. Self-medication is prefered by the Americans because it gives a level of self-reliance that they are enjoying in so many other areas of their lives. However, this does not mean that self-medication is safe for your health. People avoid visiting the doctor for a prescription because of high-cost, but the consequences can be serious enough to land in the hospital. Here are some tips to follow while self-medicating: 1. Limit the use of medication Use medication for a specific purpose, it should not become a habit. If that is not taken care of, your body will get used to the antibiotics and the effect will not be the same anymore. 2. Be careful while buying from the internet Instead of buying the products from the internet, it is recommended to buy the medication from a regulated pharmacy. 3. Read the instructions carefully before using Pay close attention to the duration of treatment, the frequency of doses, and contravention with other drugs. 4. Consult your pharmacist However, self-medication is not recommended for pregnant women, children and people with specific diseases. Instead of setting up more hurdles in the road to recovery, it is recommended to consult either your physician or pharmacist.