Doctors Highlight Dangers of Self-Medication

Health experts in Kenya are warning against the growing trend of self‑medication, cautioning that taking over‑the‑counter (OTC) or leftover prescription drugs without a proper diagnosis can lead to serious health risks. Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni recently emphasized that relying on self-prescribed antibiotics and painkillers fuels antimicrobial resistance, putting both individuals and the wider community in danger.
A major concern is the misuse of antibiotics. According to pharmacists and regulators, people often bypass qualified medical advice and buy antibiotics for common symptoms like coughs or fever, without confirming whether they actually have a bacterial infection. Such practices, experts say, can lead to drug resistance, masking of underlying conditions, and severe side effects.
Specialists also highlight the risks of indiscriminate use of painkillers. The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued warnings about drugs like diclofenac, which if misused or taken long-term, can contribute to heart problems and other complications. In addition, self‑diagnosis with herbal or traditional remedies is not without danger: doctors note that these are often taken without understanding potential interactions, contraindications, or toxicity.
To curb the trend, officials are calling on Kenyans to seek proper medical consultation rather than turn to unregulated pharmacies. Dr. James Gathogo of the PPB has urged the public to avoid self‑prescribing, warning that taking medicine without guidance can have serious, even life‑threatening consequences. Authorities believe the growing crackdown on illegal pharmacies and stronger public education could help reduce misuse and improve patient safety.