The journey of Charles Oben into misery began when he was posted to Burkina Faso, and he decided to visit a cardiologist for a routine check-up. It was discovered that his urea level was high and the drug Zyloric (manufactured by Glaxo Smithkline (GSK) Pharmaceuticals) was prescribed.
Oben, a staff of UBA, bought the drug for N1,300 and he dutifully administered dosage.
However in less than 36 hours, Oben’s life was turned into a living hell. Blisters, skin peeling, impaired sight and bed sores became his plight. His wife, Joan flew in, saw her husband and melted. His children came in and ran away. Mirrors where kept away from him.
Oben’s condition is known as the Stephen Johnson Syndrome (SJS). It is caused by a severe allergic reaction to a medication. SJS usually begins with a rash that can lead to blistering, severe peeling and open sores. The condition is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease .
Oben was eventually evacuated to the United Kingdom, by his family. It was in the UK that he got succor, but this came with some side effects. He has had two cornea replacement surgeries and much more devastating is the fact that he cannot shed a tear for the rest of his natural life. He has been confined to the use of artificial tear-inducing drugs, which he buys from America for $200 monthly.
Already, Oben has dragged Glaxo Smithkline the manufacturer of the drug to court for the irreparable damages to his life.
Oben’s wife, Joan wants the Nigerian government to push the pharmaceutical companies in the country to take proactive steps in warning consumers not only about the side effect of their drugs, but also about the severity that such side effects may escalate.
