MOH warns against self-medication with Painkillers
Written by RadioVuna on May 20, 2022
Self-medication with painkillers, particularly Diclofenac, has been discouraged by the Ministry of Health.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) underlined in a statement released on Friday that the analgesic should only be prescribed.
As a pain reliever and an anti-inflammatory, it is often used in the treatment of arthritis.
Dr. Fred Siyoi, the CEO of the PPB, has cautioned that patients using systemic Diclofenac frequently, particularly at high dosages of 150 mg, are at danger of heart attack or stroke.
In a press release, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board said, “The Board desires to bring the public’s attention to the usage of NSAIDs, especially Diclofenac for pain treatment.”
For patients with preexisting heart diseases or other cardiovascular risk factors, the FDA has issued a black box warning about the possibility of blood clots, which might lead to heart attack or stroke. This warning applies only to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Prescriptions for painkillers are recommended by the Board of Directors.
The drug is often prescribed as a painkiller and an anti-inflammatory for illnesses including arthritis.
Taking Diclofenac consistently, particularly at high dosages of 150 mg, may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Patients having a history of heart attack or stroke, heart failure, blocked arteries, or those who have undergone a surgery to remove or bypass such obstructions are no longer advised to use the medicine.
Health experts have advised smokers and diabetics to seek medical advice before participating in the challenge.
People who have been taking Diclofenac for a long period will need to have their therapy checked by a doctor.
