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Martella M, Minutiello E, Gianino MM. Patterns of Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Use and Spending in 14 European Countries (2012-2021): A Comprehensive Time Series Analysis. Health Serv Insights 2024; 17:11786329241282526. [PMID: 39386264 PMCID: PMC11462615 DOI: 10.1177/11786329241282526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The assessment of antidepressant and anxiolytic consumption and expenditures represents a reliable barometer of the burden of such mental health disorders and the effectiveness of relative healthcare services. Objectives The current analysis aims to evaluate trajectories of consumption and expenditures of antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs to define patterns of usage and spending across 14 European countries between 2012 and 2021. Methods A retrospective longitudinal study was performed based on pooled time series secondary data analysis over 2012/2021. Defined Daily Doses (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants and health expenditure per capita were analysed. Linear and quadratic trends were computed to determine relationships between the variables of interest. Results Only 2 patterns of consumption/expenditure of antidepressants can be identified: consumption and expenditure both grow; consumption grows, and spending decreases. Consumption and expenditures registered 2 main patterns, decreasing in most European countries and increasing only in 2 cases. Conclusion Prevailing patterns of consumption and spending show an increase in antidepressants and a decrease in anxiolytics. The variation in consumption of such drugs during this timeframe is attributable to several reasons, such as the epidemiological characteristics of mental disease, for instance, the prevalence and incidence of disorders, the accessibility of drugs and alternative treatments, like psychotherapy, different clinical practices and national guidelines. However, such analyses deserve attention for targeted policies and strategies for promoting mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Martella
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ettore Minutiello
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Michela Gianino
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Mbwasi R, Msovela K, Chilunda F, Tesha S, Canavan R, Wiedenmayer K. Comparing pharmacy practice in health facilities with and without pharmaceutically trained dispensers: a post intervention study in Tanzania. J Pharm Policy Pract 2024; 17:2323091. [PMID: 38572378 PMCID: PMC10989198 DOI: 10.1080/20523211.2024.2323091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The critical shortage of comprehensively trained healthcare staff in Tanzania affects the capacity to deliver essential health services, attain universal health coverage and compromises health outcomes. There is a specific lack of suitably trained pharmaceutical professionals, thus, an increase in the use of unqualified or poorly trained staff. Following the introduction of a one-year pharmacy dispenser course intervention, this study explored the impact that the new cadre of graduates had on pharmacy practice compared to healthcare facilities with non-pharmacy trained dispensers (NPTDs). Methods A post intervention assessment was conducted in 2021 using questionnaires formulated to measure indicators of Good Pharmacy Practice, comparing 29 public health facilities employing pharmacy-trained dispensers (PTD) with 32 public health facilities with NPTDs in Dodoma, Shinyanga and Morogoro regions of Tanzania. Data were collected by experienced pharmacists or pharmaceutical technicians and subsequently aggregated and statistically analysed. Results The dispensing times for medicines were found to be the same for PTDs and the NPTDs (2 min). There were no statistically significant differences in the adequacy of labelling elements between PTDs and NPTDs. Patients' level of knowledge of the medicines dispensed to them, from both PTDs and NPTDs, showed no difference. Moreover, no differences were observed in storage practice and documentation performance, records of dispensed medicines, handling of medicines and the dispensing area cleanliness between both groups. Overall, facilities with PTDs averaged a higher availability of tracer medicines (77%) than those with NPTDs (70%), however, availability of health commodities in all health facilities in the three regions was low and there was no statistically significant difference between both groups. Conclusion The study showed no significant difference in performance of pharmacy practice between PTDs and NPTDs despite the former undertaking a one-year training course intended to improve knowledge and skills. Practice application not only depends on effective training but on the working environment. Clear job descriptions, appropriate tools and references to guide, Standard Operating Procedures, acceptance by management of the training undertaken to actively encourage recruits to apply these new skills could improve PTDs performance. Training and knowledge alone do not seem to lead to better practice and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romuald Mbwasi
- School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, St John’s University of Tanzania, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Kelvin Msovela
- School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, St John’s University of Tanzania, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Fiona Chilunda
- Health Promotion and System Strengthening (HPSS) Project, Dodoma
| | - Sia Tesha
- Health Promotion and System Strengthening (HPSS) Project, Dodoma
| | - Robert Canavan
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karin Wiedenmayer
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Vandy A, Conteh E, Lahai M, Kolipha-Kamara M, Marah M, Marah F, Suma KM, Mattia SC, Tucker KD, Wray VS, Koroma A, Lebbie AU. Physicochemical quality assessment of various brands of paracetamol tablets sold in Freetown Municipality. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25502. [PMID: 38356517 PMCID: PMC10865243 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Paracetamol is a widely used over-the-counter drug for managing fever and pain, but its quality may vary among different brands, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where counterfeit and substandard medicines are prevalent. This study evaluated the physicochemical properties of fifteen brands of 500 mg paracetamol tablets sold in various pharmacies in Freetown, Sierra Leone using identification tests, friability tests, assay, dissolution tests, and mass variation. The results showed that three brands were not registered with the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, and two brands did not meet the requirement for labelling (no manufacturing date). All the brands met the requirement for mass variation, friability tests and assays. The percentage assay of the different brands ranged from 96.17 %w/w to 101.97 %w/w. However, two brands did not meet the specification for dissolution, with P012 releasing about 21.23 % ± 5.76 of the drug within 45min. Most of the paracetamol brands evaluated met the physicochemical test specification. However, two brands failed the dissolution test, two brands did not meet the labelling requirement and three brands were identified as unregistered products with the National Medicines Regulatory Authority in Sierra Leone. This study underscores the necessity of enhancing monitoring and post-market surveillance of pharmaceuticals in Sierra Leone to ensure they comply with regulatory requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Vandy
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences - College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone
| | - Eugene Conteh
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences - College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone
| | - Michael Lahai
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences - College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone
| | - Marie Kolipha-Kamara
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences - College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone
| | - Mohamed Marah
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences - College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone
| | - Foday Marah
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences - College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone
| | - Kadiatu M. Suma
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences - College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone
| | - Sia C. Mattia
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences - College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone
| | - Kenneth D.S. Tucker
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences - College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone
| | - Victor S.E. Wray
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences - College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone
| | - Abass Koroma
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences - College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone
| | - Aiah U. Lebbie
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences - College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone
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Babar P, Qaiser U, Rehman IU. Assessment of prescription writing skills among dental house officers: A multi-center study. Pak J Med Sci 2024; 40:170-173. [PMID: 38196487 PMCID: PMC10772446 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.40.1.7688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the knowledge and skills of prescription writing among dental house officers from different hospitals. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September, 2022. A self-administered, structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 180 house officers from four teaching dental hospitals (n=45 each). The participants were asked to write a prescription for an adult and a pediatric patient. The prescription was evaluated according to WHO criteria. Analysis was done using SPSS v.20. Data was presented as frequencies and percentages. Results Among the 180 participants, 42.9% were males and 57.1% were females. 33.9% participants reported prescription writing to be a difficult task. Only 36.7% participants reported to be trained in prescribing pediatric medications. None of the prescriptions completely fulfilled the WHO criteria. Doctor related information (name, address and contact no) was written by only 3.8% of the participants while 10% of the participants mentioned the patient related information (name, address and age). Dosage of the prescribed drugs was the most commonly drug-related missing parameter which was mentioned in 30% of the pediatric prescriptions and 21% of the adult prescriptions. Conclusion There is a general lack of knowledge among the dental house officers regarding prescription writing as they were found to be unaware of the essential elements of a prescription. The findings call for an urgent change in the undergraduate teaching of prescription writing skills with special emphasis on pediatric drugs and dosage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palwasha Babar
- Palwasha Babar, MDS Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Fatima Memorial Hospital College of Medicine and Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Uswa Qaiser
- Uswa Qaiser, BDS Demonstrator, Department of Operative and Pediatric Dentistry, University College of Dentistry, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ijaz ur Rehman
- Ijaz ur Rehman, FCPS Assistant Professor, Department of Oral Medicine, University College of Dentistry, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
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Arhin SM, Mensah KB, Agbeno EK, Henneh IT, Azize DA, Boateng A, Opoku-Agyeman K, Ansah C. Pharmacotherapy for Infertility in Ghana: A Prospective Study on Prescription Patterns and Treatment Outcomes among Women undergoing Fertility Treatment. CURRENT THERAPEUTIC RESEARCH 2023; 99:100711. [PMID: 37519419 PMCID: PMC10372179 DOI: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2023.100711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Pharmacotherapy remains a first-line and major treatment option for couples struggling with infertility, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where other expensive alternatives are rarely available. Despite the reliance on pharmacotherapy for treating infertility in the subregion, especially for those diagnosed with unexplained infertility, little is known about the actual influence of drug therapies on conception. Objectives The study aimed to prospectively assess the prescription patterns and outcomes of pharmacotherapy for women undergoing fertility treatment in Ghana. Methods This prospective cohort study involved 482 infertile women presenting for fertility treatment in 4 fertility clinics in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana between March 2019 and February 2021. A simple random sampling technique was used to recruit subjects for the study. The women were followed up for 12 months to assess the outcome of drug therapy on conception. Data analysis was done using Stata version 14. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between trends with dichotomous outcomes. Results The study identified that approximately 45.2% of the patients received monotherapy, whereas 24.1% received a combination of 2 drugs. Patients treated with a combination of 3 drugs were more likely to conceive (adjusted odds ratio = 4.10; 95% CI, 1.29-13.02; P = 0.02) than those without treatment. Conclusions Patients treated with combination therapies had higher chances of conception than those without medications. However, a combination of nutritional and herbal therapies were associated with improved outcomes compared with conventional and nutritional supplements. The study's outcome could provide fertility specialists and stakeholders insight into choosing appropriate treatment options for prospective couples seeking fertility care. Consequently, fertility patients can access specific treatment options to meet their desired needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Mensah Arhin
- Department of Pharmacology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kwesi Boadu Mensah
- Department of Pharmacology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Evans Kofi Agbeno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Isaac Tabiri Henneh
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics and Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Diallo Abdoul Azize
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Abigail Boateng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Kwame Opoku-Agyeman
- Department of Pharmacology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Charles Ansah
- Department of Pharmacology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Mehtar A, Gazy A, Al Jamal M, Saab M. Knowledge and perceptions of patients towards generic and local medications: The lebanese version. PHARMACIA 2023. [DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.70.e98699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Lebanon is one of the Mediterranean countries that are devastated by economic crisis. Knowing that generic medications are less costly when compared to brands, it is crucial to assess patients’ understanding and views regarding these medications.
A 25-item self-administered anonymous questionnaire was distributed to a total of 421 participants. The questionnaire appraised participants’ knowledge and perceptions about generics versus brand medications, in addition to their perceptions and attitudes towards generic substitution. Most respondents agreed that generics are not inferior to their brand equivalents in terms of quality, efficacy and safety (66%, 68.9%, and 66.7%, respectively). On the other hand, 79.4% (n=334) accepted generic substitution for minor ailment medications, whereas, only 56.1% (n=236) accepted this substitution for their chronic medications. As a conclusion, the uncertainty about the use of generic medications, particularly those treating chronic illness is still an obstacle to overcome.
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Rainio R, Ahonen R, Lämsä E, Timonen J. Factors facilitating and hindering counselling about generic substitution and a reference price system in community pharmacies - a survey among Finnish dispensers. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1130. [PMID: 36071413 PMCID: PMC9454142 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08477-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pharmacies play the key role in implementing generic substitution (GS) and counselling customers about it. This study aimed to explore dispensers’ perceptions of the factors that facilitate or hinder counselling customers on GS and the reference price system (RPS) in community pharmacies. It also studied dispensers’ opinions about the benefits and problems of these systems and discusses them from the counselling point of view. Methods A postal survey was conducted among Finnish community pharmacy dispensers in spring 2018. The research questions were studied through open-ended questions and analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The questions were analyzed first with inductive content analysis by two researchers independently. The responses were encoded and categorized according to the analytical framework, which was inductively developed alongside the analysis. The categorized responses were further analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Results The response rate was 50.8% (n = 498). Of the respondents, 75.9% reported factors that facilitated counselling about GS and RPS. The most commonly mentioned factors included customers’ characteristics (36.5%), the information systems used in the pharmacy (28.3%), and the features of interchangeable medicines (21.7%). Of the respondents, 89.0% reported factors that hindered counselling, of which customers’ characteristics (45.8%), the unavailability of medicines and other availability issues (32.5%), the features of interchangeable medicines (22.6%) and time pressure in the pharmacy (22.1%) were the most commonly reported. The benefits of the systems focused on cost savings for customers and society (74.4%). The most commonly reported problems concerned medicine availability (31.9%), changes in medicine prices and in reference price band (28.9%), as well as how GS is time-consuming and increases workload (24.2%). Conclusions Finnish dispensers reported more hindering than facilitating factors in GS and RPS counselling. Customers’ characteristics were the most often mentioned in both cases. Customers’ knowledge could be increased by providing information and education. However, developing simpler regulations for GS and RPS, intelligent assisting software, and solutions for secured medicine availability would facilitate implementation of GS. Simplified price counselling would also guarantee the time needed and focus on instructions on the correct and safe use of medicines. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08477-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riikka Rainio
- School of Pharmacy, Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kuopio Campus, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Riitta Ahonen
- School of Pharmacy, Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kuopio Campus, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Elina Lämsä
- School of Pharmacy, Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kuopio Campus, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Johanna Timonen
- School of Pharmacy, Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kuopio Campus, University of Eastern Finland, PO Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
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Gavrilova A, Zolovs M, Latkovskis G, Urtāne I. The Impact of International Nonproprietary Names Integration on Prescribing Reimbursement Medicines for Arterial Hypertension and Analysis of Medication Errors in Latvia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10156. [PMID: 36011791 PMCID: PMC9408624 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The use of international nonproprietary names (INNs) has been mandatory for prescriptions of state-reimbursed drugs in Latvia since 1 April 2020. In a retrospective analysis, we aimed to examine the impact of the new regulation on changes in the prescribing and dispensing practice of antihypertensive agents with an example of bisoprolol or/and perindopril and their combinations. All state-reimbursed bisoprolol and/or perindopril prescriptions for arterial hypertension were evaluated in two time periods: 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 and 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021. The proportion of INN prescriptions increased from 2.1% to 92.3% (p < 0.001, φ = 0.903). The rate of fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) increased from 60.8% to 66.5% (p < 0.001, φ = 0.059). The rate of medication errors was 0.6%. The most common (80.6%) error was that the dispensed medicine dose was larger or smaller than indicated on the prescription. In addition, prescribing an FDC medicine increased the chance of making an error by 2.5 times on average. Regulatory changes dramatically affected the medicine-prescribing habits of INNs. The increase in FDC prescription rates may align with the recommendations of the 2018 ESC/ESH guidelines. The proportion of total errors is estimated as low, but control mechanisms are needed to prevent them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gavrilova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Red Cross Medical College, Riga Stradins University, LV-1009 Riga, Latvia
| | - Maksims Zolovs
- Statistical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Riga Stradins University, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Life Sciences and Technology, Daugavpils University, LV-5401 Daugavpils, Latvia
| | - Gustavs Latkovskis
- Institute of Cardiology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia
- Latvian Center of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
| | - Inga Urtāne
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
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Demeke H, Hasen G, Sosengo T, Siraj J, Tatiparthi R, Suleman S. Evaluation of Policy Governing Herbal Medicines Regulation and Its Implementation in Ethiopia. J Multidiscip Healthc 2022; 15:1383-1394. [PMID: 35769191 PMCID: PMC9234184 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s366166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ethiopia is one of the world’s oldest countries, with a fascinating history of herbal medicine. However, there is a lack of evidence for the regulatory framework for herbal medicines and its implementation. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the policy governing herbal medicines regulation and its implementation in Ethiopia. Methods and Materials An archival review, a semi-structured interview with key informants, a cross-sectional study involving traditional healers, and an institution-based cross-sectional survey were conducted from June 15, 2020 to December 25, 2020. The qualitative data was transcribed using Microsoft Word 10, whereas the quantitative data was recorded and analyzed using SPSS 20 computer statistical software. The study’s findings are summarized using descriptive statistics. In addition, multiple logistic regressions were performed to identify factors affecting regulation of herbal medicine (HM) in Ethiopia. Variables with p<0.05 were considered potential predictors. Results According to all key informants, Ethiopia has yet to adopt distinct policies and laws on herbal medicine that may provide an independent regulatory framework. Similarly, the majority of respondents in an institution-based survey indicated that there were no defined policies (n=52, 57.3%), laws (n=53, 59.6%), or registration systems (n=67, 75.3%) for herbal medicine. However, traditional healers claimed that they are licensed by either the Woreda Health Bureau (n=21, 95.5%) or the Regional Health Bureau (n=1, 4.5%) to legally practise traditional herbal medicine. Besides, no traditional healer is licensed by Ethiopian Food and Drug Administration (EFDA) or Ministry of Health. Conclusion Ethiopia has yet to adopt distinctive herbal medicine policies and laws to provide an independent herbal regulatory system. Despite the fact that the EFDA has a mandate for herbal medicine regulation, traditional healers are licensed by the woreda and regional health bureaus, thus more investigation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henok Demeke
- Pharmacy Department, College of Health and Medical College, Haramaya University, Haramaya, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Gemmechu Hasen
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Teshome Sosengo
- Pharmacy Department, College of Health and Medical College, Haramaya University, Haramaya, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Jafer Siraj
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Ethiopia
| | | | - Sultan Suleman
- School of Pharmacy, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia, Ethiopia
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Hussain R. Big data, medicines safety and pharmacovigilance. J Pharm Policy Pract 2021; 14:48. [PMID: 34078480 PMCID: PMC8170061 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-021-00329-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Hussain
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan.
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Did the Introduction of Biosimilars Influence Their Prices and Utilization? The Case of Biologic Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (bDMARD) in Bulgaria. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14010064. [PMID: 33466766 PMCID: PMC7829887 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the introduction of biosimilars in Bulgaria on the prices and utilization of biologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD). It is a combined qualitative and quantitative analysis of time of entry of biosimilars on the national market and the respective changes in the prices and utilization during 2015-2020. We found 58 biosimilars for 16 reference products authorized for sale on the European market by the end of 2019, but for 2 of the reference products biosimilars were not found on the national market. Only inflammatory joint disease had more than one biosimilar molecule indicated for therapy. Prices of the observed bDMARD decreased by 17% down to 48%. We noted significant price decreases upon biosimilar entrance onto the market. In total, the reimbursed expenditures for the whole therapeutic group steadily increased from 72 to 99 million BGN. Utilization changed from to 0.5868 to 2.7215 defined daily dose (DDD)/1000inh/day. Our study shows that the entrance of biosimilars in the country is relatively slow because only half of the biosimilars authorized in Europe are reimbursed nationally. Introduction of biosimilars decreases the prices and changes the utilization significantly but other factors might also contribute to this.
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Nokelainen H, Lämsä E, Ahonen R, Timonen J. Reasons for allowing and refusing generic substitution and factors determining the choice of an interchangeable prescription medicine: a survey among pharmacy customers in Finland. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:82. [PMID: 32013951 PMCID: PMC6998302 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-4894-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Generic substitution (GS) was introduced in Finland in 2003 and supplemented with a reference price system (RPS) in 2009. Patients play a vital role in the acceptance of GS and the use of less expensive generic medicines. The objective of this study was to explore Finnish pharmacy customers’ experience with allowing and refusing GS. Specific aims were to investigate the reasons for (1) allowing and (2) refusing GS and (3) to determine the prescription medicine-related factors influencing the customer’s choice of an interchangeable prescription medicine. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted in February 2018. Questionnaires were handed out from 18 community pharmacies across Finland to customers ≥18 years who purchased for themselves a prescription medicine included in the RPS. A descriptive approach was used in the analysis using frequencies, the Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Results The final study material consisted of 1043 questionnaires (response rate 40.0%). Of the customers, 47.9% had both allowed and refused GS, 41.2% had only allowed GS and 6.0% had only refused GS. Customers had allowed GS because they wanted to lower their medicine expenses (75.5%), or because the prescribed medicine (30.8%) or medicine they had used before (27.4%) was unavailable at the pharmacy. The main reasons for refusing GS were an insignificant price difference between interchangeable medicines (63.3%) and satisfaction with the medicine used before (60.2%). The main factors influencing customers’ choice of an interchangeable prescription medicine were price (81.1%), familiarity (38.4%) and availability (32.8%). Customers who had allowed GS chose the medicine based on price. Customers who had only refused GS appreciated familiarity more than the price of the medicine. Conclusions GS is a common practice in Finnish community pharmacies. The price of the medicine was the most important factor affecting customers’ decision to allow or refuse GS and the choice of an interchangeable prescription medicine. Thus, customers should receive information about medicine prices at the pharmacy in order to help them make their decision. However, individual needs should also be taken into account in counselling because customers regard several factors as important in their choice of an interchangeable medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriikka Nokelainen
- School of Pharmacy / Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kuopio Campus, University of Eastern Finland, P.O.Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Elina Lämsä
- School of Pharmacy / Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kuopio Campus, University of Eastern Finland, P.O.Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Riitta Ahonen
- School of Pharmacy / Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kuopio Campus, University of Eastern Finland, P.O.Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Johanna Timonen
- School of Pharmacy / Social Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kuopio Campus, University of Eastern Finland, P.O.Box 1627, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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