By Grateful Ogunjebe
The increasing spread of misleading health information on social media is fuelling a growing crisis of self-medication in Nigeria. From viral herbal mixtures to unverified “doctor tips,” millions are turning to social media for medical advice, often with dangerous consequences.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has expressed alarm over the surge in self-treatment linked to online misinformation,
Warning that the practice is endangering lives and straining hospitals nationwide.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said many of the herbal and pharmaceutical products promoted online contain undeclared or harmful substances.
“Combining unknown herbal preparations with alcohol or prescription medicines can cause serious health complications, including organ failure,” she said.
She noted that the agency is intensifying surveillance of online marketplaces to curb the sale of unregistered and unsafe drugs.
In 2022, NAFDAC recalled five brands of male enhancement pills sold through international platforms after discovering undeclared active ingredients that could dangerously lower blood pressure. The agency also confiscated ₦12 million worth of unregistered aphrodisiacs in Sokoto and sealed a store in Onitsha for selling expired sex-enhancing products.
Health professionals say misinformation on social media has made self-medication a public health concern in Nigeria.
Dr. Nimah Rabiu, a medical personnel, said misinformation on social media significantly contributes to dangerous self-medication practices, leading to avoidable health complications.
“Many Nigerians, influenced by inaccurate health information circulating on platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook, and X, resort to self-medicating with inappropriate drugs without professional guidance,” she said.
“This behaviour is worsened by limited access to healthcare, economic hardship, cultural preferences for herbal remedies, and growing distrust in medical professionals.”
She explained that those affected often misuse antimalarials, antibiotics, analgesics, and herbal mixtures, which can result in toxic reactions, allergic responses, overdoses, drug resistance, and prolonged illness.
“For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread misinformation led many Nigerians to self-medicate for supposed protection, resulting in preventable deaths,” Dr. Nimah said.
“Common ailments like fever, abdominal pain, and headaches are often treated improperly with drugs such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and antibiotics.”
She warned that young people and students are among the most affected groups, often buying antibiotics without prescriptions, a trend that worsens antimicrobial resistance, one of Nigeria’s most pressing public health threats.
In Lagos, Pharm. Oluchi Anthony said social media has become a significant source of false health information, adding that the rush to self-treat is now a daily challenge for healthcare professionals.
“Once a health claim goes viral, people believe it’s true. Even when shared by influencers with no medical training,” she said.
“We’ve seen people come into pharmacies requesting specific drugs they saw online. Sometimes, it’s as bad as an influencer telling followers to take certain antibiotics to flush their system after sex.
Practices like these cause drug poisoning, organ damage, and delay proper diagnosis.”
Chidinma Eze, a community pharmacist, added that many Nigerians come into pharmacies “already half-treated,” having used drugs recommended online or by friends.
“By the time they see us, they’re reacting badly or have made their condition worse. Social media spreads misinformation faster than health professionals can correct it,” she said.
To address the crisis, Abdulkareem Abubakar, a public health officer, said Nigeria needs a coordinated approach that combines regulation, education, and improved access to healthcare.
“The right response involves stricter control of over-the-counter and prescription drugs, improved health literacy, and stronger fact-checking systems,” he explained.
“Government must engage trusted community figures and healthcare providers to spread correct health messages. We also need to make healthcare more affordable and accessible so people won’t rely on social media for treatment advice.”
He also noted that tackling misinformation requires collaboration between regulatory agencies, social media platforms, and the media to protect Nigerians from unsafe products and false health claims.
Prof. Adeyeye urged Nigerians always to verify the registration status of any medicine before purchase, emphasizing that “NAFDAC cannot work alone; everyone, from journalists to influencers, has a role in promoting safe health practices.”
Continuous awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians about the dangers of self-treatment and the importance of consulting licensed healthcare professionals are furtherly recommended.
While social media has made health information more accessible, unchecked misinformation is turning digital convenience into medical danger.
Beyond regulation, experts agree that the lasting solution lies in education, empowering Nigerians to distinguish between credible
