The single sharpest fact in one or two punchy sentences. Who did what, where, when, and why it matters. Not a summary of everything — the one thing that makes someone stop scrolling. Medical expert, Dr. Ganiyat Kikelomo Oyeleke, a Consultant Physician, Gastroenterologist, and Hepatologist, has spoken out against the dangers of self-medication in Nigeria. During a webinar titled: “The Hidden Costs of Self-Medication on Liver Health,” organised by SYNLAB Nigeria, Dr. Oyeleke stated that self-medication is fuelling liver-related diseases and putting millions at risk of irreversible organ damage. Indiscriminate use of painkillers, antibiotics, and herbal mixtures, often without proper diagnosis or medical supervision, has become a silent but serious public health threat.
According to Dr. Oyeleke, the liver remains one of the most vulnerable organs to damage from drug misuse because of its central role in detoxification and metabolism. She attributed the rising trend of self-medication in Nigeria to economic hardship, easy access to over-the-counter drugs, and deep-rooted cultural practices. Many Nigerians resort to self-prescription due to the cost of healthcare, often taking medications in dangerous combinations or excessive doses.
Dr. Oyeleke also cautioned against the widespread assumption that herbal remedies are harmless. She explained that natural does not always mean safe. Many herbal mixtures contain substances that can seriously damage the liver. She warned that the misuse of common drugs such as painkillers, antibiotics, and herbal supplements can cause drug-induced liver injury, especially when mixed with alcohol or other medications.
Also speaking during the webinar, Consultant Chemical Pathologist, Dr. Olusola Omoyele, stressed the importance of preventive testing and early diagnosis in safeguarding liver health. According to her, routine liver function tests and screening can help detect abnormalities early and improve treatment outcomes. She warned that people who frequently self-medicate, use herbal products, abuse alcohol, or have underlying health conditions are at higher risk and should undergo regular screening.
Dr. Omoyele, however, warned that a normal liver function test does not always mean the liver is healthy. She explained that normal results do not completely rule out liver disease. That is why comprehensive evaluation by qualified professionals is important. The experts unanimously stressed that early intervention remains key, noting that many liver conditions become harder to treat when detected late.
"The misuse of common drugs such as painkillers, antibiotics, and herbal supplements can cause drug-induced liver injury, especially when mixed with alcohol or other medications," Dr. Oyeleke said.
According to the experts, one of the biggest dangers of liver disease is that it often progresses silently, with symptoms appearing only when the damage has become severe. They urged Nigerians to avoid unnecessary drug use, reduce alcohol intake, get vaccinated against hepatitis where necessary, and seek medical attention when symptoms persist. Dr. Oyeleke explained that the liver performs several critical functions in the body, including breaking down drugs and toxins, making it particularly susceptible to injury when medications are abused or taken wrongly.
The webinar, streamed live on YouTube, forms part of the organisation’s efforts to deepen health education and encourage Nigerians to embrace preventive healthcare as a first line of defence against chronic diseases.