The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana is warning against the abuse of the drug prednisolone, popularly known as ‘P’ for weight gain.

The society noted the medication can result in overweight and its accompanying health risks such as obesity and diabetes.

This came up during a health talk by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, Ashanti Region in Kumasi.

The resource person, Dr. Joseph Attakorah, a clinical Pharmacist and lecturer at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the KNUST observes an abuse of the drug prednisolone, especially by nursing mothers.

Though he enumerated the use of the drug for treating conditions like hypertension to inflammation conditions, he pointed out that the drug has been implicated in weight gain.

“The side effect of the ‘P’ is retention of sodium or retention of water and these will increase the weight resulting in overweight or obesity.

“You should only take doctor's prescriptions,” he said.

Dr. Attakorah also advised the public to patronize only FDA-approved weight loss teas.

“People should purchase tea registered by the FDA or go to the pharmacy for tea,” he said.

The 25^th of every September is observed as World Pharmacists Day.

This year’s running theme is “Occupy your church and mosque”.

As part of activities to mark the day, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, Ashanti region chapter took their activities to the Living waters Assemblies of God Church at Ayigya.

They organized a health screening exercise and educated members of the church on obesity and related health effects.

“Every pharmacist anywhere today is supposed to make a presentation in your church, mosque or place of worship so that we educate the public on the relevance of the pharmacist in our community.

“Beyond today, we’ll have public health speaking on obesity and related health effects,” Ashanti regional branch chairman, Dr. James Oppong Kyekyeku revealed.