Instructions and Precautions
for Injections
65
CHAPTER
9
WHEN TO INJECT AND WHEN NOT TO
Injections are not needed often. Most sicknesses that require medical treatment
can be treated as well or better with medicines taken by mouth. Each year,
millions of people—especially children—become ill, disabled, or die as a result of
unnecessary injections. Combating misuse and overuse of medicines is as important
to good health as vaccination, clean water, or the correct use of latrines. As a
general rule:
It is more dangerous to inject medicine
than to take it by mouth.
Injections should be used only when absolutely necessary. Except in
emergencies, they should be given only by health workers or persons trained in
their use.
The only times medicines should be injected are:
1. When the recommended medicine does not come in a form that can be
taken by mouth.
2. When the person vomits often, cannot swallow, or is unconscious.
3. In certain unusual emergencies and special cases (see the next page).
WHAT TO DO WHEN THE DOCTOR PRESCRIBES
INJECTIONS
Doctors and other health workers sometimes prescribe injections when they are
not needed. After all, they can charge more money for injections. They forget the
problems and dangers of giving injections in rural areas.
1. If a health worker or healer wants to give you an injection, be sure the
medicine is appropriate and that she takes all the necessary precautions.
2. If a doctor prescribes injections, explain that you live where no one is well
trained to give injections and ask if it would be possible to prescribe a
medicine to take by mouth.
3. If a doctor wants to prescribe injections of vitamins, liver extract, or vitamin
B12, but has not had your blood tested, tell him you would prefer to see
another doctor.