LUTH kick against self medication

By Idebaneria Cynthia 

“Some people do that out of ignorance, lack or even seer arrogance, not understanding the implications on their health. That is why as a department and professional pharmacists, we are participating in this year’s Pharmacy week to enlighten the populace,” explained Mrs Olurombi.

Mrs Olurombi, who represented the head of Department at the event said part of the implications are complications such as failure to recognise special pharmacological risks, rare but severe adverse effects, failure to recognise or self-diagnosis contraindications, interactions, warnings and precautions.

“More common is assumption that a drug is not working and going for another, not realising that it can lead to over dosing. Risk involves not recognising that the same active substance is already being taken under a different name. And failure to report current self-medication to the prescribing physician, leads to double medication and harmful interaction,” said Mrs Olurombi.

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She also said though LUTH has a working relationship with National Pharmaco-vigilance unit of NAGDAC, but when people resort to self medication they do not know the potential of recognising or reporting adverse drug reactions.

“Incorrect route of administration, inadequate or excessive dosage, prolonged use, risk of dependence and abuse, food drug interaction and storage in incorrect conditions or beyond the recommended shelf life are all potential risks that self medication can lead to,” she explained.

She said LUTH has both over-the-counter drugs and orphaned/ethical drugs at affordable prices, “because we do get supply directly from source. “And management always profer solutions to any challenge being encountered as a department or by the patients. For instance, there are 17 departments/units and we have pharmacies in all those points. Payments for drugs are also easier now for patients as they can go to specific paying points at those pharmacies,” said Mrs Olurombi.

Deputy Director, Temilola Olufohunsi , was of the opinion that the solutions are to discourage self medication, lack of advice on medicine use from the experts like doctors and pharmacists.