ABSTRACT
<b>Objective: </b>For effective use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that are provided as relief supplies during a disaster, we aimed to develop a list of OTC drugs that can be used during a disaster.<br><b>Methods: </b>We obtained information about OTC drugs useful during a disaster by examining results of previous studies and lists of drugs used during a disaster. We analyzed this information with the expert pharmacist of disaster support and established a rationale for our list and developed “the List of Useful OTC Drugs During a Disaster” and “the Information Card on Useful OTC Drugs During a Disaster.”<br><b>Results: </b>We developed our list of OTC drugs based on the following parameters: (1) while people with severe disorders (e.g. renal failure) are treated by medical teams, those with minor physical conditions are treated using OTC drugs and (2) those OTC drugs that can be used as substitutes for prescription drugs were preferably selected. The List of Useful OTC Drugs ()—During a Disaster (containing 56 items) was developed for use mainly by medical professionals. Further, pharmacists from disaster-relief medical teams may not always be available in disaster-stricken areas; therefore, the Information Card on Useful OTC Drugs During a Disaster was developed to enable disaster victims to independently make a certain level of decision. The information card contained pictograms to call the attention of the disaster victims.<br><b>Conclusion: </b>Our results can provide a common tool for drug suppliers, medical professionals engaging in relief works in disaster-stricken areas, and disaster victims.
ABSTRACT
The spontaneous reporting system for adverse drug reactions(ADRs), through which information is collected on patients who experience ADRs, can lead to hypotheses on causal relationships between drugs and ADRs; however, lack of information on patient characteristics or patients who have not experienced ADRs makes quantitative, relative comparison of risks difficult. From the viewpoint of adapting pharmacoepidemiology to supplement spontaneous reporting of ADRs, RAD-AR Council Japan(RCJ) has been promoting development of a database assembling drug use-results surveillance(DURS) data under the re-examination system for secondary use. RCJ received observational DURS data on antihypertensive drug users from pharmaceutical companies and integrated to develop a database of over 100,000 patients and 19 antihypertensives in 2003. RCJ maintains the database, expanding it to 143,509 patients and 21 antihypertensives in 2007, and also developed a database of antihyperlipidemics with approximately 34,000 patients in 2011. Researchers study these databases through an application and protocol review process stipulated by RCJ, and their results have been presented at conferences and published in articles. This report summarizes DURS data collection and its underpinning regulated systems in terms of data assembly and database maintenance at RCJ. The report also introduces the example for constructing the antihyperlipidemics DURS database and summarizes its patient characteristics. The database is characterized by ADR information and treatment-related laboratory values in addition to patient backgrounds and drug use information. However, it is too small to study rare ADRs and has limited longitudinal observational data. Therefore, RCJ worked to expand the antihypertensives DURS database in 2012 by adding data that include long-term surveillance results. (Jpn J Pharmacoepidemiol 2012; 17(2): 87-97)
ABSTRACT
<b>Objective: </b>The Brown Bag program is a drug use review service conducted by community pharmacists. To improve this program for promoting appropriate drug use, we studied the Medicine Use Review (MUR) program introduced in the UK in 2005, which is similar to the Brown Bag program.<br><b>Methods: </b>First, we obtained data through an internet-based search on MUR, which included data on the skills and accreditation required by pharmacists for conducting this program, the conditions required in pharmacies, the target patient groups, and financial reimbursement of pharmacists/pharmacies for these services. Subsequently, we visited professional pharmaceutical organizations, a university, and a pharmacy in the UK to conduct interviews involving a predetermined questionnaire, with a total of 6 interviewees.<br><b>Results: </b>The MUR is a medication review program provided free of cost to patients mainly with chronic conditions. It aims to identify potential safety concerns and improve medication adherence. In addition to knowledge regarding pharmacotherapy, pharmacists require advanced communication skills for evaluating the use of medications and for providing appropriate consultations in face-to-face sessions. Providing an environment that protects patient privacy is also important. After the MUR was introduced, the number of services has increased every year and good practices in this regard have increased.<br><b>Conclusion: </b>Information regarding patient selection, check sheet items (e.g., drug names, mode of drug use, reasons for use, and side effects), and feedback procedures was obtained from the MUR program. The Brown Bag program should be improved to apply this activity to promote appropriate medication use and enhance risk communication service.