Self‑medication and OTC drug safety concerns

In early August 2026, the Buenos Aires Province Medical College released a technical report warning that self‑medication and indiscriminate use of over‑the‑counter (OTC) drugs pose concrete health dangers. It highlighted risks such as accidental duplication of active ingredients (e.g., paracetamol) leading to liver injury, and combined use of anti‑inflammatories increasing the chance of gastrointestinal bleeding, renal damage and cardiovascular complications, especially for older adults.

A few days later, health experts across Spain, Argentina, Mexico and Chile issued similar alerts. They stressed that natural remedies—such as St John’s wort, ginkgo biloba, and traditional digestive herbs—can trigger severe reactions when mixed with antidepressants, anticoagulants or aspirin. Reports from Chile and Argentina also warned that common drug mixes involving paracetamol, ibuprofen, psychotropic agents and antihistamines are linked to intoxications, nausea, drowsiness and bleeding disorders. All parties called for professional guidance before using herbal products or combining medications, even those considered harmless.