Medical experts have sounded the alarm on self-medication across Nigeria. They warn it poses a serious risk to liver health and called for routine screening and early detection measures.
During a webinar organised by SYNLAB Nigeria, health professionals discussed the dangers tied to self-medicating without professional guidance. Titled "The Hidden Costs of Self-Medication on Liver Health," the session formed part of the company's health awareness push.
Ganiyat Kikelomo Oyeleke, a consultant physician specialising in gastroenterology and hepatology, explained why the liver faces unique vulnerability. She noted the organ handles detoxification and metabolism, making it susceptible to damage from careless drug use.
According to Oyeleke, poverty and cultural attitudes drive the practice widely. Easy availability of over-the-counter drugs compounds the problem significantly.
Painkillers, antibiotics, and herbal supplements cause the most damage when misused. Taking them in large quantities, mixing them with alcohol, or combining different drugs increases the risk of liver injury considerably.
She warned against assuming herbal products are automatically safe because they're natural. Many so-called natural remedies can harm the liver just as badly as manufactured drugs.
Liver disease often develops without obvious warning signs, Oyeleke stressed. By the time symptoms appear, substantial damage may have already occurred.
Nigerians should stop self-medicating unnecessarily, she advised. They should also drink less alcohol, live healthier, get hepatitis vaccines, and consult doctors when symptoms linger.
Olusola Omoyele, a consultant chemical pathologist, emphasised prevention through testing. Regular liver function tests catch problems before they worsen.
People who frequently self-medicate face particular danger, according to Omoyele. So do those using herbal remedies, drinking heavily, or managing chronic conditions.
She cautioned that normal test results don't guarantee the liver is healthy. Healthcare professionals need to conduct thorough assessments to rule out disease properly.
Both experts urged Nigerians to use caution with herbal products. They stressed the importance of professional diagnosis before starting any treatment.
