Why you should avoid self-medication

Tunde, a 40-year-old businessman, started experiencing persistent headaches, breathing problems and fatigue. Instead of consulting a doctor, he decided to buy painkillers over the counter based on a friend’s suggestion. Months later, his symptoms worsened, and he was eventually diagnosed with a form of heart disease, a condition that could have been managed earlier if […]

Tunde, a 40-year-old businessman, started experiencing persistent headaches, breathing problems and fatigue. Instead of consulting a doctor, he decided to buy painkillers over the counter based on a friend’s suggestion.

Months later, his symptoms worsened, and he was eventually diagnosed with a form of heart disease, a condition that could have been managed earlier if he had sought professional medical advice.

Abduljalal Yusuf Nadabo, Senior Pharmacist and State Logistics Officer at the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, explained self-medication as the practice of using drugs or other treatments without consulting a healthcare professional.

“While it may seem convenient, particularly in areas with limited healthcare access, the risks associated with self-medication can be life-threatening,” he said.

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He said that a major concern is the misuse of antibiotics, which can lead to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

“When people misuse antibiotics, it accelerates the development of drug-resistant microorganisms, making infections harder to treat,” he said.

He said that according to the World Health Organisation, it is a global health issue that contributes to over a million deaths annually.

He said that another risk is adverse drug reactions, which means combining medications without understanding their interactions, or mixing conventional drugs with herbal remedies, can have harmful consequences.

“These reactions can range from mild side effects to severe complications, depending on the drugs involved and the individual’s health condition,” he stated.

He said that self-medication can also delay proper treatment. By masking symptoms, individuals risk ignoring underlying conditions that require immediate attention.

“Many people think they’re saving time and money, but in reality, they’re risking their health by delaying a proper diagnosis.”

He also said that for some, self-medication may lead to dependency , adding that  painkillers and sedatives, when used without supervision, can create a cycle of addiction that is difficult to break.

Also, inappropriate drug use often leads to treatment failures and worsened health outcomes.

Nadabo noted that there are limited situations where self-medication might be acceptable, such as treating mild conditions like colds or indigestion with over-the-counter medications or continuing prescribed treatments for chronic illnesses like hypertension.

“Even in these cases, it’s important to follow instructions carefully and seek professional advice if symptoms persist or worsen,” he warned.

To avoid the dangers of self-medication, he advised consulting a pharmacist or doctor before taking any medication, even for minor ailments.

“Pharmacists are accessible and can provide safe guidance for drug use,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of avoiding antibiotics without a prescription, reading medication labels carefully, and not sharing drugs with others.

He stressed the need to have public education, which is crucial to addressing this issue.

He highlighted the need for awareness campaigns to educate people about the risks of self-medication and promote informed health-seeking behaviours.

“Governments and healthcare institutions must work together to regulate the sale of prescription medications and ensure that people understand the importance of professional guidance,” he said.