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Pharmacists in Nigeria have warned patients managing diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular issues to avoid combining these medications with other drugs.
They caution that such combinations may lead to serious side effects and even treatment failure.
“People with chronic conditions need to be extremely careful with drug combinations,” said Olumide Obube, Vice Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria in Ogun State.
“Improper drug interactions can worsen side effects or cause toxic reactions, and many patients are unaware of the dangers of combining medications without proper guidance.
“Obube highlighted that even common drugs, such as corticosteroids prescribed for inflammation, can cause blood sugar levels to spike dangerously in diabetes patients.
“This effect makes it much harder to manage diabetes,” he noted, adding that diabetes patients on insulin or oral medications might need dose adjustments if additional drugs are prescribed.
Another common issue is mixing blood pressure medications with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen.
“When NSAIDs are taken alongside ACE inhibitors or ARBs, they can render these blood pressure medications less effective,” explained Obube.
“This can quickly lead to an uncontrolled rise in blood pressure and worsen kidney function, which is particularly risky for hypertensive patients.”
The dangers extend to pregnant women and the elderly, with Tunde Adekola, a pharmacist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, noting the heightened vulnerability of these groups.
“Older adults are especially at risk since they process medications differently, often leading to drug build-up and toxicity,” he explained.
For pregnant women, the concern lies in drug interactions that could harm fetal development.
“Pregnancy complicates things further because certain drugs can affect both the mother and the fetus, requiring careful consideration by a healthcare provider,” Adekola added.
Adekola also raised concerns over polypharmacy—the use of multiple medications—among patients with diabetes and hypertension.
“For older patients, who often have overlapping conditions, the danger of unintended side effects is high due to age-related changes in kidney and liver function,” he said.
He stressed the importance of a coordinated approach where all healthcare providers are aware of a patient’s complete medication regimen.
For Nigerians managing chronic conditions, both Obube and Adekola recommend keeping an up-to-date medication list and regularly reviewing it with their pharmacist or doctor, particularly before starting new medications.
They also urge patients to avoid over-the-counter drugs or herbal supplements without consulting their healthcare providers, as these can interfere with prescribed medications.
“Clear communication between healthcare providers and patients is key,” said Adekola. “
Patients should never assume medications are safe to combine without professional advice. One drug might help one condition but worsen another, so we need tailored treatment for each person.
“By taking these precautions and being proactive in understanding their medications, Nigerians can better manage chronic conditions and avoid potentially life-threatening complications. “The goal is to ensure that treatment for one condition doesn’t inadvertently worsen another,” Obube stated.
