Sample medicine[Photo/ksdk.com]

Is there a story unfolding in your community? Let Hivisasa know

Over-the-counter and prescription drugs can help and heal. However, a large number of people are using these drugs for reasons other than those they were originally prescribed for. This misuse of the drug can lead to addiction and deadly side effects.

Cytotec- abortion

Generically known as misoprostol, Cytotec was introduced into the market as an anti-ulcer drug and also for inducing emergency labor and preventing post-partum hemorrhage. But its unapproved use as an abortive aid has grown. The drug costs Sh90 OTC and is used to end pregnancies on or before 12 weeks.

ARVs- illicit brews

Doctors warned that if you take ARVs when you are healthy, the drug would not work on you when you get infected. This is because you would have had an optimal dose, meaning you would have developed resistance to the drugs.

Formalin- milk preservation

Last month, the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) raised an alarm that unscrupulous milk traders were adding preservatives such as formalin, which is used to preserve bodies in mortuaries. The use of the drug was for the purpose of arresting bacterial or viral growth. The health effects of adulterated milk with formalin include increased chances of cancer, skin and eye diseases. It can also cause corrosion of intestines and may result in ulcers, an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Continuous ingestion may result in kidney failure.

Benadryl-recreational drug

It is marketed to deal mainly with allergies but is also often used as a sedative.  It has some popularity among recreational drug users, due to its effect as a deliriant. When recreational users take a high dose, they can expect to get high. The drug is dangerous in high doses, especially if done regularly. The side- effects include; fever, seizures, convulsions, athetosis, gastrointestinal symptoms, deep coma, and death.

E-pill- birth control

The morning-after pill was viewed much as a last resort, described by health professionals as ‘emergency contraception’. It was designed for use in the rare event of regular contraceptives failing.

Stimulants- get high

Since they are made from powerful stimulants like amphetamine (Dexedrine and Adderall) or methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), prescription stimulants have a high potential for abuse.

Sedatives-alcohol

Sedatives such as benzodiazepines and tranquilizers like barbiturates are central nervous system depressants that work similarly to alcohol.