Self-medication is one of the major factors causing liver damage

According to the Health and Safety Supporters of the Workforce News Agency, quoting ILNA, the liver is considered one of the most vital organs of the body in the metabolism and elimination of drugs and plays an important role in the effectiveness and safety of treatments. Many drugs are processed in the liver after consumption, and for this reason, the correct manner of drug use has a direct impact on liver health.

Damage to the liver can cause disruption in the function of other organs of the body; therefore, paying attention to the proper use of medications, especially common and everyday drugs, is considered an important part of health care.

Dr. “Marzieh Rashdi‑Nia,” a specialist in toxicology and pharmacology and a faculty member of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, referring to the key role of the liver in drug processing, said: incorrect use of medications, long-term use without medical supervision, or the simultaneous use of several drugs and supplements can place additional pressure on the liver and create the grounds for the occurrence of liver damage.

She added: these damages can appear in the form of fatty liver, hepatitis, liver failure, fibrosis, and even cirrhosis of the liver. This issue is of greater importance especially in the elderly, people with a history of liver diseases, and patients who simultaneously consume several medications.

This faculty member of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences considered self-medication to be one of the major factors causing liver damage and emphasized: the simultaneous use of several drugs or supplements without the knowledge of a physician or pharmacist increases the metabolic burden on the liver.

She stated: one of the incorrect beliefs among people is considering medicinal plants, herbal teas, and herbal distillates to be harmless, whereas excessive consumption or simultaneous use of these products with chemical drugs can lead to the occurrence of liver complications. Therefore, herbal products must also be consumed with awareness and professional consultation.

How can we protect the liver while using medications?

She continued, referring to ways to protect the liver during medication use, and recommended: medications should be taken exactly according to the instructions of the physician or pharmacist; before the simultaneous use of medications and supplements, specialized consultation should be carried out; patients suffering from liver diseases must inform their physician; alcohol consumption should be avoided during the medication period; and also, in case of the appearance of any abnormal symptoms, without arbitrarily discontinuing the medication, one should consult a physician.

According to Webda, according to this toxicology specialist, medications will have the greatest effectiveness and safety when they are used based on scientific principles and in proportion to the individual conditions of each patient. Paying attention to liver health is an inseparable part of rational drug use and the promotion of health literacy in society.