AZE.US
Dozens of poisoning cases were recorded in Azerbaijan last month, with medications responsible for 33 of them. Specialists say most incidents are linked to improper use of drugs and self-medication rather than the quality of the medicines themselves.
Last month, 88 people in Azerbaijan sought medical help after suffering poisoning, according to health officials. In 33 of those cases, the cause was medication poisoning.
Medical specialists say such incidents are most often linked to improper use of drugs, failure to follow instructions, and widespread self-medication.
According to experts, many patients purchase medicines without consulting a doctor, relying instead on advice from acquaintances or pharmacists. At the same time, patients frequently do not read the instructions or fail to inform doctors about other drugs they are already taking.
Doctors warn that some drug combinations can be extremely dangerous. One commonly cited example involves medications containing sildenafil and drugs based on nitrates, such as nitroglycerin.
Instructions for these medicines clearly state that they must not be taken together, as the combination can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure and may even be fatal.
However, physicians say some patients hide the fact that they have taken such medications. As a result, when they arrive at a hospital with chest pain, a doctor may prescribe nitroglycerin, which can trigger a life-threatening reaction if sildenafil is already in the patient’s system.
Experts also point to the widespread misuse of antibiotics. Despite persistent public misconceptions, antibiotics do not work against viruses, yet they remain among the most frequently purchased medications in pharmacies.
Improper drug use can lead to allergic reactions, toxic poisoning, or even anaphylactic shock, especially when patients exceed recommended dosages or combine incompatible medicines.
The Analytical Expertise Center said that all medicines must undergo state registration before entering the market, where their safety, effectiveness, and quality are verified.
Authorities say monitoring continues even after approval, and measures are taken if violations or quality issues are detected.