3 million VND effervescent tablet almost killed a man

After using effervescent tablets advertised by online sellers as "completely curing diabetes", Mr. Tuan's blood sugar increased. For about a week now, his body and face have been severely swollen, accompanied by difficulty breathing at night and early in the morning.

Mr. Tuan suffered complications because he arbitrarily stopped taking prescription drugs to take effervescent tablets on social media. Photo: Thuy Quynh.

He was admitted to the Central Endocrinology Hospital with high blood sugar and blood pressure, edema, fatigue, and slow movement. Ultrasound results showed bilateral pleural effusion.

Previously, the hospital also received a 68-year-old female patient with similar symptoms, also using effervescent tablets to treat diabetes.

Doctor Nguyen Cong Binh, Emergency Department, Central Endocrinology Hospital said: "Many patients come to the emergency room in very serious, life-threatening conditions."

Dr. Binh said that diabetic patients who stop taking their medication on their own often experience very serious complications such as kidney failure, liver failure, cardiovascular complications, and a high risk of death. Doctors provide supportive treatment for liver and kidney function, electrolyte replacement, and some patients require dialysis to recover.

Diabetes cannot be completely cured. Some people take advantage of patients' anxiety to sell "medicines" of unknown ingredients and origins, promising to "cure the disease completely", which is very dangerous when patients believe and stop treatment.

Doctors warn patients to stay alert and talk to their doctors for appropriate advice, and avoid using products of unknown origin that are not licensed by the Ministry of Health.

"Diabetics should follow the advice and instructions of a specialist when using medication. Do not stop using medication on your own. Regularly check your blood sugar. See a doctor again if you notice any unusual symptoms. Do not use medication of unknown origin," Dr. Binh warned.