Safety warnings and first aid instructions on consumer and pharmaceutical products in Nigeria: are they adequate?

An investigation into the adequacy of safety warnings and first aid instruction on 357 consumer and pharmaceutical product labels was carried out. The results show that 23% of the products carried correct and appropriate information while 34% had neither warning nor first aid instructions. About 15% had copiously written instructions and/or warnings and 15% showed partially correct instructions. Only about 4% of the products described warning signs and gave directions for the full treatment of poisoning and 3% recommended calling a health professional in the case of poisoning.