Actress Ufoma McDermott has revealed how her kidney disease was triggered by long-term painkiller abuse.

In an interview with Chude Jideonwo, McDermott recounted her 12-year struggle with the condition.

She emphasised the importance of prioritising health, drawing from her experience and that of her brother, who was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney disease.

According to Ufuoma, her kidney disease was linked to her prolonged use of strong painkillers for migraines, headaches and eye aches.

She said she took medication to alleviate pain quickly, unaware of the detrimental effects.

McDermott said: “I really wish everyone would understand the importance of health. My brother was diagnosed late on stage 4 of kidney disease and he goes straight into dialysis and has complications.

“I was diagnosed earlier, so I have lived on medication for almost 12 years now. When my brother I ran to my cardiologist. My parents were scared, thinking if this is genetic? We had to trace the kidney disease and we learned it was from drug abuse.

“I grew up with migraines, headaches and eye aches, and I never wore my glasses because they made me look like a geek. I’d take painkillers for my migraine. I took strong painkillers and not the ordinary painkillers because I wanted the pain to go away.” (The Nation)