Idowu Abdullahi
A Professor of Medicine at the University of Ilorin, James Ogunmodede, has cautioned Nigerians against the use of unprescribed drugs, particularly those promoted online, noting that the trend is contributing to a rise in chronic health conditions and organ failure.
Ogunmodede raised the concern while speaking with PUNCH Healthwise on the health implications of self-medication and the increasing influence of online health products.
According to Ogunmodede, many patients now rely on information seen on social media and online platforms rather than professional medical advice.
“It is becoming more prevalent now for people to see information or a product online, then abandon their prescribed medication to follow it,” he said.
Ogunmodede, who is also a consultant cardiologist at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, cautioned that most of the products online lack scientific backing.
“We must mention, firstly, that many of these products promoted online have not been verified to be effective for the diseases they claim to treat.”
Beyond questions of effectiveness, Ogunmodede warned that some of the products pose direct harm to users.
“Secondly, some of these products are actually harmful. I have seen a number of examples. Some are concoctions containing substances that damage vital organs like the kidneys or liver.
“These unprescribed medications are among the reasons some people develop kidney failure,” he said.
According to him, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting.
Ogunmodede further warned about the risks of discontinuing medically prescribed treatment.
“And then very importantly, when people stop their prescribed medication, conditions like hypertension and diabetes become uncontrolled. Over time, uncontrolled conditions damage body organs.
“Several years down the line, individuals become at risk of complications such as heart failure, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, peripheral vascular disease, and premature blindness, especially in the setting of hypertension and diabetes,” he said.
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