NAFDAC Warns Against Drug Misuse and Self-Medication

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning regarding the dangers of drug misuse and self-medication, which pose serious health risks. Uchenna Elemuwa, Director of Pharmacovigilance at NAFDAC, represented Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director General, during a sensitization program held in Mushin, Lagos.

Elemuwa noted that while medicines can save lives and improve quality of life, misuse, overuse, and underuse can lead to dangerous and even life-threatening situations. She cited the global public health challenge of self-medication, particularly with antibiotics, which can lead to treatment failures and increased healthcare costs.

Elemuwa emphasized the importance of pharmacovigilance in detecting and preventing adverse drug effects and urged healthcare professionals and the public to report adverse drug reactions. Tunbosun Aruw, Executive Chairman of Mushin Local Government, supported NAFDAC's efforts and pledged to enhance patient safety through community health initiatives.