Abdullahi Kabir, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, has warned that the misuse of misoprostol poses serious health risks that could lead to maternal and infant deaths.

Mr Kabir, a consultant at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, gave the warning in an interview in Bauchi on Friday.

According to him, misoprostol is a medically approved drug used to prevent stomach ulcers, induce labour under strict medical supervision, and control postpartum haemorrhage.

He explained that improper use of the drug could result in uterine rupture, excessive bleeding, severe injury to the baby, and in some cases, the loss of lives of both mothers and infants.

The consultant noted that the hospital had recorded several cases of women presenting with severe complications linked to the misuse of the drug.

“The drug should only be administered in properly equipped health facilities with qualified doctors, functional operating theatres for emergency caesarean sections, and available blood banks to manage complications.

“It is worrying that many pregnant women patronise traditional birth attendants and unqualified health workers who misuse the drug, often leaving patients with severe and irreversible complications,” he said.

Mr Kabir said that uterine rupture caused by improper use of misoprostol frequently leads to infertility, adding that in severe cases, doctors are forced to tie or completely remove the uterus to save the woman’s life.

He further warned that even when the uterus is repaired, future pregnancies remain highly risky, as the repaired area may rupture again before labour, leading to massive bleeding and possible death before reaching a hospital.

The consultant called on health authorities to intensify public enlightenment campaigns targeting women, traditional birth attendants, and healthcare workers on the dangers of misoprostol misuse and the need for strict medical supervision.

He also urged men to ensure their wives have access to antenatal and delivery care in well-equipped hospitals, stressing that patronising unqualified providers puts the lives of pregnant women at serious risk.

(NAN)