Understanding Setelan Medicine, Definition, Side Effects, and Its Dangers

Kapanlagi.com - Amidst a modern lifestyle that prioritizes practicality, medicine is not exempt from this trend. One of the hot topics currently being discussed on social media is the phenomenon of setelan medicine. This medicine is claimed to cure various health complaints in a short time. However, how safe and effective is this medicine?

Setelan medicine is a collection of tablets or capsules that are repackaged without original labels and are often sold freely in the market. Although it seems like an instant solution, the use of setelan medicine carries significant health risks. The safety, efficacy, and quality of this medicine cannot be guaranteed, given that its contents are not clearly known.

The Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) categorizes setelan medicine as dangerous, especially because it often contains active ingredients that should only be used based on a doctor's prescription. In this article, we will delve deeper into what setelan medicine is, the lurking dangers, and the preventive measures that need to be taken to maintain our health.

1. What is a Setelan Medicine?

Setelan medicine, which is a mixture of tablets or capsules from various types of drugs that are packaged without labels, is now commonly found in small shops, kiosks, and even e-commerce platforms. This practice poses potential dangers, as unexpected interactions between the chemicals in the medication can lead to harmful effects—ranging from mutual weakening to creating toxic reactions that are dangerous to health.

There are two categories of setelan medicines: branded, which are usually neatly packaged with labels, and unbranded, which are simply wrapped in plain plastic. The existence of these setelan medicines demands our vigilance, as health is something that cannot be taken lightly.

2. Dangers of Consuming Setelan Medicine

Setelan medicines often hold mysteries, as they do not come with information about their contents, dosages, or indications for use. This leaves users confused and worried about whether the medication is truly suitable for their condition.

Even more concerning, Professor of Pharmacy at UGM, Zullies Ikawati, revealed that the combination of drugs in setelan can trigger dangerous interactions that can damage liver, kidney, or heart functions.

Not only that, if setelan medicines contain antibiotics like amoxicillin and are used indiscriminately, the risk of bacterial resistance looms, which could threaten the effectiveness of antibiotics in the future.

3. Why Are Set Medicine Still Used?

Many people consider set medicine as a shortcut to relieve pain or inflammation symptoms, thanks to the instant effects it offers. However, behind this practicality lies a lurking potential risk. Ingredients such as corticosteroids and pain relievers do provide temporary relief, but medications made without standards can lead to overdose or poisoning.

Moreover, easy access through shops and e-commerce tempts the public to purchase without consulting a doctor, reflecting a lack of understanding of the dangers posed by the use of set medicine.

4. BPOM's Efforts in Addressing the Circulation of Set Medicine

The Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) tirelessly strives to safeguard public health with strict preventive measures in addressing the circulation of set medicine. They actively take action against pharmacies and shops that dare to sell drugs without original packaging, while launching community-based prevention programs to raise public awareness of the dangers of illegal drugs.

Not only that, BPOM also collaborates with various professional organizations to strengthen the supervision of drug distribution. The public is also urged to play an active role by reporting the presence of set medicine through HALO BPOM, in order to create a safer and healthier environment.

5. How to Prevent Risks from Unregulated Drugs

Before you decide to consume any medication, it is very important to consult with a doctor or pharmacist who can help you find the right medication according to your health condition.

Avoid purchasing medication from unofficial sources; make sure to only shop at registered pharmacies that have a distribution permit from BPOM to ensure safety.

Always carefully check the medication label, including the distribution permit number, dosage, and expiration date, and do not be easily influenced by instant claims that are not supported by scientific evidence. Your health is the top priority!

6. Is unregulated medication legal in Indonesia?

No, this unregulated medication does not have a distribution permit from BPOM, so its use is clearly illegal.

7. How to Recognize Unregulated Medication?

Medications sold in the form of sets are often packaged in plastic without any important information such as contents, dosage, or even expiration date.

8. What are the main risks of consuming set medications?

The risks are very diverse, ranging from the threat of severe poisoning, the emergence of antibiotic resistance that can disrupt treatment, to unexpected allergies and dangerous drug interactions that can jeopardize health.

(kpl/srr)