Expert warns patients against self medication

A medical expert, Dr. Kola Adekunle of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, has warned patients to stop self-medication as it can cause serious health problems.
Adekunle gave the warning during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ilorin on Friday.
He therefore advised patients to always see their doctor when they feel any form of discomforts in the body system or any symptoms of illness rather than self-medication.
“Self-medication is dangerous to the health. It can cause serious problem, so it is important to set up an appointment with a doctor when any symptoms of illness or mental health condition occurs,” the doctor said.
The expert condemned the habit of some patients who prefer over-the-counter medication to alleviate their discomfort, saying it can lead to severe health conditions or even death.
Adekunle also warned that excessive use of cough remedies, anti-allergies, laxative vitamins, tonics and vitamins especially the fat-soluble (A, D, E, and K) can result to skin rashes, stomach pain, ulcer and other health problems.
“Most Nigerians who prefers over-the-counter medication to alleviate discomfort are not helping themselves because of the consequences associated with self-medication,” he added.
Adekunle therefore called on government at all levels to scale up campaign against self-medication in order to orientate and discourage people against such dangerous act.