en.malanginspirasi.com – The Ministry of Health has warned the public against purchasing or using antivirus drugs without a doctor’s prescription amidst a rush to acquire the medication following widespread social media reports over the past two weeks regarding a rise in Influenza A cases.
Lucia Rizka Andalucia, the Ministry of Health’s Director General of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, stated that this panic has driven some people to seek out and purchase antivirals without consulting medical professionals.
This situation carries the risk of irrational drug use and increases the threat of resistance.
According to Lucia, influenza is generally a self-limiting disease. Therefore, the use of antivirals is not required in all cases and should only occur based on examination and recommendations from medical professionals.
“Influenza is a self-limiting disease that does not require antivirals. Yet, there is a buzz on social media with people seeking antivirals, even going so far as to buy them without a doctor’s prescription,” said Lucia during the World Pharmacist Day 2026 commemoration.
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Lucia emphasized the need to be mindful of the risks associated with improper medication use, particularly when antivirals are administered to children and toddlers without medical examination and advice. Inappropriate use can heighten the risk of resistance.
She specifically highlighted Oseltamivir, an antiviral used for influenza.
She noted that the drug’s effectiveness must be preserved so it remains available and potent for when it is truly needed.
“Imagine if resistance to Oseltamivir developed; what would we use for treatment if we faced a threat from influenza or an even more dangerous virus?” she said.
To prevent the improper use of medication, Lucia urged pharmacists to play an active role in educating the public.
Pharmacists should ensure that the public receives accurate information before using medicines.
“To my fellow pharmacists: once again, please stand at the forefront of medication dispensing; safeguard the public by providing education and accurate information, and do not succumb to the prevailing panic,” Lucia advised.
Lucia emphasized that pharmaceutical services entail more than just dispensing medication to the public. Educating people on proper usage is essential so that they understand the medicines they receive and use them only as needed.
Efforts to improve public understanding, she added, require cross-governmental collaboration—spanning from central and regional authorities down to the sub-district and village levels.
Through sustained education and the rational use of medication, it is hoped that the public will not be easily swayed by panic and will use antivirals appropriately, based on medical necessity.
