ABSTRACT
Background: The objective of the present study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of adverse drug reaction reporting among healthcare professionals of Parul Sevashram Hospital, Parul University, Vadodara.Methods: The study was prospective, observational and questionnaire-based involving medical doctors, nurses and pharmacists of Parul Sevashram Hospital. A total number of 210 structured questionnaires were distributed among health care professionals (100 clinicians from various specialities, 100 nurses and 10 pharmacists). Written informed consent forms were obtained from participants as their consent to participate in the study.Results: All questionnaires were filled and returned producing overall response rate of 100%. 80% of the respondents were aware of the existence of Pharmacovigilance Program of India (PvPI). 90.95% and 91.90% of respondents felt ADR reporting is necessary and it would be beneficial to the patients respectively. Only 11.43% of respondents had reported ADRs. 90.95% and 85.24% of respondents suggested training is required in reporting ADR and regular information should be provided regarding ADR by PvPI respectively.Conclusions: The health care professionals had positive knowledge and attitude towards pharmacovigilance and there is a need to create awareness for better practice of ADR reporting. It would help to improve patient care.
ABSTRACT
Counterfeit drugs have emerged as a major global problem. This issue has been brought to the centre of the Indian media due to the death of 15 women attending a sterilization camp in Chhattisgarh. India’s pharmaceutical industry exports drugs worth 15 billion dollars, which means a high prevalence of counterfeiting in India’s drug industry has global repercussions. However, accurate figures on the extent of counterfeit drugs in India are not available. The scientific literature as well as media reports often quotes figures of 10-35%, though studies done by the Indian Government dispute this. Counterfeit drug numbers have been known to be under represented by Governments due to fear of undermining their economy and health systems. On the other hand, rival companies in other countries may have an incentive to over hype India’s counterfeit problem to dent India’s growing status as the leading global supplier of generic medicines. Lack of clear definitions and differences between laws of countries further complicate reporting. A high prevalence of counterfeit drugs has a large impact on both health and economic indicators. Additionally, counterfeit drugs provide significant challenges to Pharmacovigilance programmes. Hence, here we discuss the significance of use of counterfeit drugs in India and challenges faced by Pharmacovigilance due to the extensive use of counterfeit drugs.
ABSTRACT
Background: The aim was to study drug utilization pattern of analgesics in various departments of a tertiary care teaching rural dental hospital. Methods: A prospective and observational study was undertaken in 150 patients from January 2014 to February 2014. Relevant information was obtained from the interview as well the hospital case record. Structured and pre-tested format were used for compiling the data. Results: The majority of the patients (46%) were in the age group 41-60 years. Common indications for analgesic use included endodontic diseases (61.3%), surgical procedures (41.33%), and periodontal diseases (27.33%). Three analgesic formulations were used leading to a total of 150 drug uses. Fixed-dose drug combination (FDC) of diclofenac sodium plus paracetamol (78.66%) was the most commonly prescribed analgesic formulation, followed by aceclofenac plus paracetamol (15.33%) and ibuprofen (6%). The average number of analgesics prescribed per patient was 1.94. Analgesics were prescribed for 3 days. Except ibuprofen, FDC of diclofenac sodium + paracetamol and aceclofenac + paracetamol have been included in the WHO model list of essential medicines. All analgesic drug formulations were prescribed by their brand names. Conclusions: Drug utilization data can help to formulate appropriate clinical guidelines for drug use and facilitate rational use of medicines in population.
ABSTRACT
Aim: To study drug utilization pattern of antimicrobial agents in various outpatient departments of a tertiary care teaching rural dental hospital. Methods: A prospective-observational study was carried out in 200 patients from January 2014 to March 2014. Relevant information was obtained from the interview as well the hospital case record. Structured and pre-tested format was used for compiling the data. Results: The majority of the patients (51.5%) were in age group 41 to 60 years. Common conditions for antibiotic use included periodontal diseases (46.5%), endodontic diseases (38.5%) and dental caries (21.5%).Five antimicrobial drug formulations were used leading to a total of their 253 drug uses. Amoxicillin alone (64%) was the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial formulation followed by amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid (31.5%), metronidazole (26.5%), ofloxacin plus ornidazole (3%) and doxycycline (1.5%). The average number of antimicrobials prescribed per patient was 1.61. The average duration of antimicrobial was found to be minimum 3 days to maximum 5 days. Except ofloxacin plus ornidazole, all of the prescribed antimicrobials have been included in the WHO Model List of Essential medicines. 50.59% and 49.40% of total antimicrobial drug formulations were prescribed by generic and brand names respectively. Conclusions: Drug utilization data can help to formulate appropriate clinical guidelines for drug use and facilitate rational use of medicines in population.