Here’s a disturbing new trend. More than half of Gen Y (aged 18 to 27) look up symptoms and try to self-diagnose on the internet instead of seeing a doctor, compared to 36 per cent of the rest of us.
It is easy to find yourself up a dark alley, getting wrong information about your health concerns, unless you have professional guidance.
The recent trend of buying supplements and pharmaceuticals over the internet is troubling. There are dangers in self-prescribing, particularly if you do not have a confirmed diagnosis.
There’s also the risk you might be buying from a dodgy offshore operator. Products sold on the internet may be fake, may contain the wrong dose or undisclosed or dangerous ingredients and contaminants.
You just need to look at the recent warning issued by the Therapeutic Goods Administration about buying online — you just don’t know what you are getting.
One warning found so-called “herbal” erectile products containing Viagra and other drugs.
Another was issued for “herbal” slimming pills which contained pharmaceuticals banned in Australia for safety reasons. There is even a do-it-yourself kit for injectable cosmetic products, such as dermal fillers and Botox, which causes severe allergic reactions, infections and facial scarring.
Some internet suppliers are genuine and have safety measures in place, but many do not.
If you follow some simple guidelines, you can use the internet to improve your health.
Web Beware
- See your doctor first.
- Check the websites are hosted by reputable organisations. Look at government health websites, including the Australian Medical Association (AMA) approved Health Insite and the Victorian government’s Better Health Channel.
- Use websites as a resource, never a replacement for a doctor.
- If you read something that makes you extremely worried, talk it through with your doctor.
Buying health products online
- Deal only with websites that have an Australian street address.
- Make sure the supplier has a contact number where a person answers enquiries on the phone and consider the security of your credit card details and identity.
- You will need an Australian-issued prescription. Avoid websites offerring medicines without prescription.
- Beware of super-cheap pricing. It usually means dodgy.
- Herbal products available from international websites are not regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. These products may contain undisclosed and potentially harmful ingredients
