ABSTRACT
Background: Diabetes is a major public health problem both in developing and non-developing countries across the world. It is a chronic disease, which in long term causes several complications resulting in poly pharmacy for its management. Hence, this study was determined to analyze the drug utilization pattern for the management of type 2 diabetes with complications.Methods: A prospective, observational and non-interventional study was carried out in 100 diabetic patients with one or other complications admitted in medicine wards at Dhiraj Hospital. Patients who signed informed consent form were only included in the study. All the data were recorded from patients’ case files and analyzed.Results: Result of total 100 patients, maximum number 52 (52%) were falling in group of 61-70 kg and only 2 (2%) in 81-90 kg. Out of 100 diabetic patients, 40 (40%) were managed with insulin in addition to oral antidiabetic agents, 37 (37%) were managed with only Oral Hypoglycemic Agents (OHA) and 23 (23%) were managed with only insulin. The most commonly prescribed oral antidiabetic group of drug was Biguanides in 60 (60%) and most prescribed insulin was short acting Insulin in 40 (40%) patients.Conclusions: The diabetic patients are more prone to cardiovascular and other complications leading to a co morbid condition. The poly pharmacy is likely to occur in diabetic patients suffering with secondary complications. Therefore, intense blood sugar control with proper education can prevent the co morbid state and finally helps in reducing the economic burden.
ABSTRACT
Background: This study was aimed to analyze the drug utilization pattern in the management of hypertension in diabetic patients.Methods: A prospective, observational and non interventional study was conducted in 100 diabetic hypertensive patients admitted in medicine wards at Dhiraj Hospital. Patients who signed informed consent form were only included in the study. All the data were recorded from patients’ case files and analyzed.Results: Of enrolled 100 patients, 69 (69%) were male and 31 (31%) were female and maximum number of the patients (42%) were found in the age group of 51-60 years. Out of 100 admitted patients, 75% patients were treated with single antihypertensive agent, 20% were treated with combination of two antihypertensive agents while only 5% were administered more than two antihypertensive agents. As a single antihypertensive agent, most commonly prescribed was ACE inhibitors (32%), Calcium Channel Blockers (23%), Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (12%) and ?1 blockers (8%).Conclusions: There was poor awareness among the patients regarding control of hypertension, regular follow up, medication adherence etc. However, two third of diabetic patients had achieved blood pressure target control and ACE inhibitor remained first choice of drug for hypertension in diabetes in this study.
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
Biologics are highly sensitive large molecules with complex structure, difficult to characterize and reproduce, derived from living cells; used for treatment, diagnosis or prevention of disease. Examples are therapeutic hormones, vaccines, monoclonal antibodies etc. Biologicals are beneficial in the management of several health conditions which were once upon a time difficult to manage like cancer, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes etc. Biosimilars are proteins that are similar to innovator biologics but not the same as they differ slightly in structure however with no clinically significant difference. Biosimilars are not the exact replicas of originator biologic and are therefore not generics. Biosimilars for their approval are not required to undergo intense clinical trials as innovator biologic but are required to produce data that demonstrates its similarity to an original biologic in terms of clinical efficacy and safety. However, manufactures of both the biologics and biosimilars are required to submit pharmacovigilance and risk management plans as part of their application. Marketing authorization for biosimilars was for the first time framed by EMA along with the guidelines for developing them. As biologics and biosimilars are derived proteins they have immunogenic potential and risk of adverse events which cautions their use. Pharmacovigilance is needed to ensure that adverse events are quickly detected, reported and attributed to the correct product and manufacturer. Regulations are implemented to improve identification and traceability of biologics. Automatic substitution should not be permitted for biologicals.
ABSTRACT
Telemedicine is an application of information technology in relation to patient health care, treatment, education, research, administration and the public health. It forms a potential bridge between the patient and doctor which ages a century with a good development in its growth. In developing countries like India with more than 60% of population living in rural areas with poor medical facilities, telemedicine can fill the gap and provide the timely care, appropriate treatment and medical assistance with less expense in relation to time and money. Telemedicine also helps in maintenance of electronic health records, remote monitoring of the cases, recording and reporting of adverse drug reactions, continued medical education programs and training programs to health care providers. Telemedicine can be practiced by store and forward method, interactive services, remote monitoring and by telepharmacy practises with the help of internet. The telemedicine system practice adapted more rampantly would help in easy flow and better health care delivery system to the remotest places in rural setups to save the lives, time and cost of the suffering. Perhaps the slogan “Health for all by 2000” which was forgotten towards the end of last century, can still be achieved by the year 2020 by making the telemedicine revolution happen in India.