 Self-medication is the practice of taking medications without consulting a medical practitioner. It is common in both developed and developing countries, but it has been linked to antibiotic resistance. The prevalence of self-medication varies between countries, with higher rates seen in developing nations. Risk factors include lack of access to quality health care, poverty and cultural beliefs. Self-medication also increases the risk of misuse of medications, leading to adverse effects such as drug interactions and overdose. To reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance, governments should increase access to quality health care, provide education on proper medication use, and regulate the sale of medications without prescriptions. This article was authored by Mubasher Raymond, Shazad Ahmed, Umair Ahmed and others.