Determinants of self-medication with NSAIDs in a Portuguese community pharmacy
Pharm. pract. (Granada, Internet)
; 14(1): 0-0, ene.-mar. 2016. tab, graf
Article
in English
| IBECS
| ID: ibc-150373
Responsible library:
ES1.1
Localization: BNCS
ABSTRACT
Background:
Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a widely used therapeutic group in the world, and particularly in the Portuguese population.Objective:
To compare NSAIDs use by prescription and self-medication acquisition and to determine the pattern of indication of NSAIDs, their usage profile and possible implications for patients safety.Methods:
A cross-sectional design was used where individuals presenting at a community pharmacy requesting NSAIDs during the study period (one month) were invited to answer a face-to-face interview where socio-demographic characteristics, the indication pattern and previous experience of side effects were assessed. A follow-up interview was performed one week later to assess the incidence of adverse effects. The study was ethically approved.Results:
A sample of 130 NSAIDs users was recruited, comprising mostly women (n=87; 66.9%), actively employed (n=77; 59.2%) and presenting a mean age of 49.5 years old (SD=20.49). An equal proportion of individuals acquired NSAIDs by self-medication and with medical prescription (n=65; 50%). Over 4/5 of patients (n=57; 87.7%) acquiring NSAIDs without a prescription were self-medicated by their own initiative, and only 10.8% (n=7) had been advised by the pharmacist. The most commonly acquired active substances were ibuprofen and diclofenac. Self-medicated users more frequently resorted to topical NSAIDs following short term treatments. The major underlying condition motivating NSAIDs sought were musculoskeletal disorders (45.0%), regardless of the regimen. An important proportion of prevalent users of NSAIDs reported previous experience of adverse effects (11.3%). One week after initiating NSAID therapy, a small proportion of patients reported incidence of adverse effects.Conclusion:
Self-medication with NSAIDs is sought for numerous medical conditions. Reported adverse effects (prevalent and incident) confirm the need for a more rational use of NSAIDs and ongoing pharmacovigilance (AU)RESUMEN
No disponible
Full text:
Available
Collection:
National databases
/
Spain
Database:
IBECS
Main subject:
Pharmacies
/
Self Medication
/
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
Type of study:
Evaluation study
/
Qualitative research
Aspects:
Ethical aspects
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
English
Journal:
Pharm. pract. (Granada, Internet)
Year:
2016
Document type:
Article
Institution/Affiliation country:
Center for Interdisciplinary Research Egas Moniz (CiiEM)/Portugal
/
Institute of Health Sciences Egas Moniz (ISCSEM)/Portugal