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, a resident doctor at the hospital’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, described self-medication as a dangerous practice that often exposes individuals to avoidable complications.
He warned that the practice could lead to organ failure, drug addiction, and sudden death.
According to him, self-medication is costly, as many people purchase unnecessary drugs instead of seeking proper medical care.
He noted that the indiscriminate use of drugs, especially antibiotics, has 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 the 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 when individuals become dependent on the drugs.
“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.
