I used to believe that once you walked into a pharmacy and bought a drug, that was the end of the story. You take it, you get better, and you move on. Simple. At least, that’s what I thought until one experience made me question everything.

A while ago, I fell sick with what felt like a common infection. Nothing too serious, so I didn’t think twice. I bought some medication from a nearby shop, took it as prescribed, and waited to feel better. But days passed… and nothing changed. If anything, I felt worse. The weakness lingered, the discomfort stayed, and I started getting frustrated.

At first, I blamed my body. Maybe I wasn’t resting enough. Maybe I needed stronger drugs. So I bought another set from a different place this time. Still, no improvement. That’s when it hit me: what if the problem wasn’t me… but the drugs?

Eventually, I went to a proper hospital. After explaining everything, the doctor asked a simple question: “Where did you get these medications?” That question alone made me uneasy. I showed him what I had been taking, and from his reaction, I knew something wasn’t right.

He explained that not all drugs in circulation are what they claim to be. Some are substandard, some poorly stored, and some outright fake. Agencies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) are working hard to fight this, but the reality is that these drugs still find their way into the market.

I was given a new prescription, this time from a trusted pharmacy. Within a few days, I started to feel like myself again. That experience stayed with me.

It made me realize how easily we trust what we consume, especially when it comes to our health. In Nigeria today, you can’t always afford to be careless. The same drug that is supposed to heal you can delay your recovery or even make things worse, if it’s not genuine.

Now, I pay attention. I ask questions. I check where I’m buying from. Because I’ve learned the hard way that taking drugs is not just about swallowing pillsit’s about knowing what you’re taking and where it’s coming from.

Your health is too important to leave to chance.