By Alimot Olabode
Self-medication is a widespread practice in Nigeria, driven by the inaccessibility of healthcare due to the financial constraints of an average Nigerian. Unfortunately, this dangerous habit has become a norm, with the majority of Nigerians guilty of misusing drugs. The lack of extensive knowledge about some of these drugs considered regular and harmless has led to the dependence, overdose, and abuse of them, posing significant health risks.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac and Felvin are widely used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation and fever. However, long-term use of these drugs has a greater risk of potential side effects, including infertility, liver failure, and internal bleeding.
Antibiotics like Flagyl and Amoxicillin are also misused, with Flagyl being used for diarrhoea and abdominal pain without a doctor’s recommendation. Meanwhile, not all diarrhoea and abdominal pain require Flagyl as it is a strong antibiotic. Amoxicillin is commonly used for treating infections, but its dosages and usage are often abused as people self-medicate without a doctor’s guidance.
Painkillers like panadol and paracetamol are taken excessively, with paracetamol being particularly prone to overdose. An overdose of paracetamol can harm the liver and kidneys, leading to liver failure and even at extreme, death. The recommended dosage for adults is often ignored, with some taking more than the recommended tablets at once, which is dangerous.
Emergency contraceptive pills like Postinor are intended for safety purposes after unprotected intercourse. However, it is commonly misused as some females use it daily as a form of birth control, and this action can cause the disruption of the female hormones and potentially cause infertility.
These are just some of the most abused drugs, as there are many more that are being commonly abused. The pandemic of self-medication and drug abuse stems from misinformation, lack of awareness and some Nigerians’ negligent attitude towards such topics. Therefore, to prevent long-term health problems, more public lectures and awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians about the dangers of self-medication are needed.