A medical practitioner at the Federal Medical Centre Birnin Kudu, Dutse, Dr Ibrahim Ahmad on Monday, cautioned the public against the growing practice of self-medication.
Ahmad, who is resident doctor at the hospital’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, described self-medication, as a dangerous practice that often expose individuals to avoidable complications
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the practice could lead to organ failure, drug addiction and sudden death..
According to him, self-medication is costly, adding that many people purchase unnecessary drugs instead of seeking proper medical care.
He noted that indiscriminate use of drugs especially antibiotics, had contributed significantly to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
“People usually buy antibiotics and take only one or two doses before stopping treatment. Later, when they genuinely need the drugs, the organisms have become resistant,” he said.
Ahmad warned that excessive use of certain medications could permanently damage vital organs such as the liver and kidneys.
He said that when paracetamol is taken in excess, it could permanently damage the liver, adding that unchecked use of certain analgesics could cause kidney injury, stomach ulcers, and in severe cases, kidney failure.
The medical practitioner consequently, cautioned against repeated use of pain-relieving drugs without prescription and medical supervision.
Meanwhile, he identified addiction as another major consequence of self-medication, particularly among users of opioid-based drugs.
“Repeated intake of drugs such as codeine and tramadol can make individuals dependent on them to carry out daily activities, thereby creating a vicious cycle of addiction,” he said.
He added that self-medication can also strain family relationships and household finances, especially where individuals become dependent on them.
“As people continue taking different drugs without recovery, they may begin to fear that their illnesses are spiritual, terminal or untreatable,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to always seek professional medical advice before consuming any drug.
“Consulting qualified healthcare professionals before using medicines remains the safest approach and can prevent avoidable complications,” he said.
