Evaluation of Glucocorticoids Utilization in Central Kerala using Pharmacy Sales Overview
Authors
Sara Mathew
Department of Community Medicine, Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla, Kerala, India
Philip Finny
Department of Endocrinology, Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla, Kerala, India
Abel Johnson
Department of Community Medicine, Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla, Kerala, India
Mridula Maria
Department of Community Medicine, Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla, Kerala, India
Preethy Samuel
Department of Health Care Services (Occupational Therapy), Wayne State University, Michigan, USA
Lois Armstrong
Department of Nursing and Research, Emmanuel Hospital Association, New Delhi, India
Alice David
Medical Research, Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla, Kerala, India
Keywords:
Glucocorticoid, misuse, pharmacists, South India
Abstract
Misuse of prescription drugs is a major public health problem in India and developing countries. Emerging evidence indicates that glucocorticoids are a class of drugs that are silently misused. These drugs are inexpensive and easily available as over-the-counter drugs in India are widely used by local practitioners and self-prescribed by patients for swift symptomatic relief of febrile illnesses, joint pain, asthma, other respiratory illnesses, and skin diseases. Many people have become dependent on glucocorticoids unintentionally and remain completely unaware of the metabolic changes occurring in their bodies.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 38 pharmacies in Thiruvalla municipality of South India was conducted to indirectly assess the utilization of glucocorticoids in the region using a pharmacy sales overview.
Results:
Most people approach pharmacies with prescriptions than without. A high majority of pharmacists do not have any knowledge about the uses (37%) or adverse effects (66%) of glucocorticoids. More than 50% of the community pharmacies have more than 1% of their sales attributed to glucocorticoids when compared with the total sales volume of drugs.
Keywords: Glucocorticoid, misuse, pharmacists, South India
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