Ufoma McDermott attributes kidney disease to painkiller abuse

By Tosin Brown

Nollywood actress Ufoma McDermott has linked her struggle with kidney disease to prolonged painkiller abuse.

In a recent interview, McDermott opened up about her 12-year journey with kidney disease and urged the public to prioritize their health.

“I truly wish everyone understood the importance of health,” she said, reflecting on her family’s experience. “My brother was diagnosed late, at stage 4, and immediately started dialysis. He faced serious complications.”

McDermott emphasized that her own kidney disease was also tied to long-term painkiller use. “I was diagnosed earlier, so I’ve been on medication for nearly 12 years. When my brother’s diagnosis came, I went straight to my cardiologist. My parents were worried it could be genetic, but we found the kidney issues were linked to drug abuse,” she explained.

Describing her past reliance on painkillers, McDermott recalled, “I grew up with migraines, headaches, and eye pain, but I never wore my glasses because they made me feel like a geek. So I took strong painkillers to numb the pain quickly.”