Medical experts have warned that the growing culture of self-medication in Nigeria is contributing to a rise in liver-related diseases, with indiscriminate use of drugs and herbal remedies putting millions of Nigerians at risk of irreversible liver damage.
The warning was issued during a webinar titled **”The Hidden Costs of Self-Medication on Liver Health,”** organised by SYNLAB Nigeria as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to promote preventive healthcare and public health awareness.
Speaking during the webinar, Consultant Physician, Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Dr. Ganiyat Kikelomo Oyeleke, described the liver as one of the body’s most vulnerable organs because of its vital role in processing drugs and removing toxins.
“The liver performs several critical functions, including breaking down drugs and toxins. This makes it particularly susceptible to injury when medications are abused or taken incorrectly,” she said.
Oyeleke attributed the increasing rate of self-medication in Nigeria to economic hardship, easy access to over-the-counter medications and long-standing cultural beliefs surrounding self-treatment.
According to her, many Nigerians avoid seeking professional medical care because of the high cost of healthcare, often resorting to self-prescribed medications taken in excessive doses or dangerous combinations.
She warned that the misuse of commonly available drugs such as painkillers, antibiotics and herbal mixtures can trigger drug-induced liver injury, especially when combined with alcohol or other medications.
“The misuse of common drugs such as painkillers, antibiotics and herbal supplements can cause drug-induced liver injury, particularly when mixed with alcohol or other medications,” she said.
The liver specialist also cautioned Nigerians against believing that herbal remedies are automatically safe because they are natural.
“Natural does not always mean safe. Many herbal mixtures contain substances capable of causing serious liver damage,” she added.
Oyeleke noted that liver disease often progresses silently, with symptoms becoming noticeable only after significant damage has occurred, making early diagnosis critical.
She advised Nigerians to avoid unnecessary drug use, reduce alcohol consumption, receive hepatitis vaccinations where appropriate and seek medical attention whenever symptoms persist.
Also speaking during the webinar, Consultant Chemical Pathologist, Dr. Olusola Omoyele, stressed the importance of routine screening and early diagnosis in preventing severe liver disease.
She explained that regular liver function tests and medical evaluations can help detect abnormalities early and improve treatment outcomes, particularly for individuals who frequently self-medicate, consume alcohol excessively, use herbal products or have underlying health conditions.
However, Omoyele cautioned that normal liver function test results do not always guarantee a healthy liver.
“Normal results do not completely rule out liver disease. That is why comprehensive evaluation by qualified healthcare professionals remains essential,” she said.
The experts unanimously emphasised that early intervention remains the most effective strategy for preventing serious liver complications, noting that many liver diseases become more difficult to treat when diagnosis is delayed.
The webinar, streamed live on YouTube, forms part of SYNLAB Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to deepen public health education and encourage Nigerians to embrace preventive healthcare as the first line of defence against chronic diseases.
