E I Agaba1, P A Agaba, C M Wigwe. 1. Department of Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic consumption of analgesics has been shown to increase the risk of end-stage renal disease. In Nigeria, these drugs are readily available as there is no legislation regulating their consumption. We report the use and abuse of analgesics in a Nigerian population. METHOD: Using a pre-tested questionnaire, subjects in Zawan B ward in Jos were interviewed regarding analgesic use. Cumulative lifetime dose of drugs consumed was calculated by obtaining the product of the average number of pills consumed in a week by duration of use in years. Analgesic abuse was defined as cumulative lifetime use of >5000 pills. RESULTS: Common analgesics regularly consumed were paracetamol in 58.1%, analgesic mixtures 28.9% and NSAIDS 13%. Common indications for use of these drugs were musculoskeletal pains, headache, fever and stress. Analgesic abuse was present in 22.6% of the respondents. CONCLUSION: Analgesic abuse is common in Jos, Nigeria. The sale and consumption of these drugs should be restricted by legislation.
BACKGROUND: Chronic consumption of analgesics has been shown to increase the risk of end-stage renal disease. In Nigeria, these drugs are readily available as there is no legislation regulating their consumption. We report the use and abuse of analgesics in a Nigerian population. METHOD: Using a pre-tested questionnaire, subjects in Zawan B ward in Jos were interviewed regarding analgesic use. Cumulative lifetime dose of drugs consumed was calculated by obtaining the product of the average number of pills consumed in a week by duration of use in years. Analgesic abuse was defined as cumulative lifetime use of >5000 pills. RESULTS: Common analgesics regularly consumed were paracetamol in 58.1%, analgesic mixtures 28.9% and NSAIDS 13%. Common indications for use of these drugs were musculoskeletal pains, headache, fever and stress. Analgesic abuse was present in 22.6% of the respondents. CONCLUSION:Analgesic abuse is common in Jos, Nigeria. The sale and consumption of these drugs should be restricted by legislation.
Authors: Georgia C Richards; Jeffrey K Aronson; Brian MacKenna; Ben Goldacre; F D Richard Hobbs; Carl Heneghan Journal: Drug Saf Date: 2022-01-22 Impact factor: 5.606