Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice

Evaluation of COVID-19 treatments in Iran in comparison with local therapeutic recommendations: A population-level study on utilization and costs of prescription drugs

Amir Hashemi-Meshkini; Reza Koochak; Shekoufeh Nikfar; Ehsan Rezaei-Darzi; Saeed Yaghoubifard

Volume 11, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 1-7

Abstract

In this study, we assess population-level data of COVID-19 treatments in Iran compared to Ministry of Health (MOH)-published guidelines to gain a better insight into the quality of ... Read More In this study, we assess population-level data of COVID-19 treatments in Iran compared to Ministry of Health (MOH)-published guidelines to gain a better insight into the quality of care for this disease. Methods: National sales data of each recommended and nonrecommended COVID-19 medicine were used to proxy utilization between March 21, 2020, and March 21, 2021, or Iranian year 1399. COVID-19–attributed sales volume and number of patients were estimated by adjusting sales data with pre-COVID-19 average growth rate, recommended dose, and duration of treatment. Next, they were compared with the MOH guidelines in outpatient and inpatient settings. Furthermore, the list of top 10 molecules of the market and top 10 COVID-19–indicated molecules in terms of values were extracted to assess the economic burden of COVID-19 prescription drugs and their share. Findings: The estimated number of patients receiving COVID-19 treatments in some outpatient medicines such as recommended hydroxychloroquine was over 2.2 million. Favipiravir and remdesivir were collectively about two inpatient medicines 260,000; however, neither of these two medicines was recommended in the MOH guidelines. In some fewer specific medicines such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, azithromycin, and naproxen, the estimated number of COVID-19–attributed patients were incomparable with the officially announced number of confirmed cases in the year of study, which could be related to nonconfirmed diagnosed cases, irrational use, or prescribing, or limitations of our data and study. The total COVID-19–attributed market of candidate medicines was over 15 trillion IR Rials (almost 4.3% of the total market). Remdesivir, with over 60% of the total COVID-19 attributed market, followed by favipiravir, was among the highest value medicines. Conclusion: Despite the release of the COVID-19 guideline by Iran MOH, misalignment in the enforcement of decisions was a serious weakness (cases of favipiravir and remdesivir). This weakness led to some economic burden on the health-care system and raised ethical concerns.

Perception of health professionals and the general population regarding the use of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in Puducherry, South India

Priyadharsini Raman Palanisamy; Vimala Ananthy; Umamaheswari Subramanian

Volume 11, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 8-12

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the awareness of a sample of the general population and health-care professionals regarding the use of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance and identify ... Read More

Patients' knowledge and practice on disposal of medicines kept in households in South Africa: Findings and implications

Kesentseng Jackson Mahlaba; Elvera Anna Helberg; Brian Godman; Amanj Kurdi; Johanna Catharina Meyer

Volume 11, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 13-18

Abstract

The disposal of unwanted, unused, or expired medicines is a concern. Currently, there is little knowledge regarding their disposal among patients in South Africa. Consequently, ... Read More

Self-medication with modern and complementary alternative medicines in patients with chronic pain

Indu Jangra; Ashok Kumar Dubey; Ekta Arora; Basit Iqbal Peerzada

Volume 11, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 19-24

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the prevalence, pattern, and determinants of the self-medication practices with modern and/or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies ... Read More The study aimed to assess the prevalence, pattern, and determinants of the self-medication practices with modern and/or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies in patients with chronic pain. Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2021 and January 2022 and assessed a representative sample of chronic pain patients visiting outpatient departments in India by administering a semi-structured questionnaire. The survey questionnaire consisted of forty multiple response items, including ten questions that assessed the subjects' sociodemographic profile, for example, age, sex, education, marital status, employment status, residence, and distance of home from any health care facility. The next part of the questionnaire evaluated the practice and determinants of self-medication for chronic pain with modern or CAM therapies. It included thirty questions assessing the reasons, duration, sources of information, procurement methods, preference for a particular system of medicine, knowledge about risks or drug interactions, rationality, perception of the subject, and communication with the physician, among other aspects of self-medication for pain. Findings: Out of the 325 respondents with chronic pain, those who practiced self-medication (237) were significantly more in number than those who did not (P < 0.05). Among those who self-medicated, the practice was significantly higher in urban participants living closer to healthcare facilities, with better economic backgrounds and higher education (P < 0.05). Modern medicine was the predominant choice of self-treatment for chronic pain compared to various CAM therapies (P < 0.05). Among the alternatives, homeopathic and ayurvedic systems of medicines were preferred. The main reasons for self-medicating were urgency, ease, previous prescriptions, and presumed mildness of the underlying disease. More than one-third of the respondents opined in favor of continuing self-medication in the future. Conclusion: The prevalent practice of self-medication for chronic pain may not be hazardous, but it can turn into a serious problem if not based on correct information. The inherent risks need to be minimized by increasing awareness, health education, and pharmacy regulations.

Community pharmacists' services during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study of Lagos State, Nigeria

Ogochukwu U Amaeze; Alexander A Akinola; Ayobami A Aiyeolemi; Folasade O Lawal; Oghogho R Ijomone; Ugochukwu A Mbata

Volume 11, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 25-32

Abstract

To explore the services community pharmacists in Lagos state provided to their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists ... Read More

Knowledge and compliance of hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection among Indian health-care workers

Rudrashish Haldar; Prabhaker Mishra; Mohan Gurjar; Om Prakash Sanjeev; Vijai Datta Upadhyaya; Ankur Bhatnagar; Dharmendra Bhadauria; Vikas Agarwal

Volume 11, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 33-39

Abstract

In the initial days of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommended the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as chemoprophylaxis ... Read More

The effect of consuming chicory juice by breastfeeding mothers on neonatal icterus

Shahla Vaziri Esfarjani; Shadi Zinatian; Mahin Salimi

Volume 11, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 40-43

Abstract

Hyperbilirubinemia has been considered one of the most common clinical conditions in newborn babies. As a traditional medicine, chicory distillate may be beneficial in reducing ... Read More

Development of a web-based virtual simulated learning environment for pharmacy practice education

Arash Najimi; Shirinsadat Badri; Mahdiyeh Azizkhani; Samaneh Zolghadr; Shaghayegh Roofeh; Sayyed Ali Sepehr; Sajjad Mohammadi

Volume 11, Issue 1 , January 2022, Pages 44-49

Abstract

In the present study, we aimed to develop a virtual simulation that allows pharmacy students to play through actual prescriptions and pharmacy practice scenarios productively and on ... Read More In the present study, we aimed to develop a virtual simulation that allows pharmacy students to play through actual prescriptions and pharmacy practice scenarios productively and on a personal computer. If designed properly, this program may serve as a supplementary educational tool without the need for an existing human tutor that could provide learning outcomes as good as those resulting from traditional paper-based pharmacy practice tutorials. Methods: A computer-based simulation of a community pharmacy was developed. This program mainly targeted three basic learning needs of pharmacy students: drug dispensing, patient counseling, and dealing with clinical situations related to the patients' prescription or demand for over-the-counter (OTC) recommendations. Fundamental design decisions were based on breaking down the dispensing process into logical components to provide discrete development elements. For teaching patient counseling and clinical skills, instructors wrote scenarios covering the most prevalent pharmacy practice issues, mainly focused on medication use during pregnancy or lactation, OTC recommendations, information related to drug interactions and adverse drug reactions, and interactions between prescription drugs and patient's underlying disease. Findings: Based on the primary curriculum topics, the development team designed exercises for pharmacy practice units presented to year 5 pharmacy students. Accordingly, exercises were developed to authentically reflect tasks and challenges a community pharmacist would regularly face in the workplace. To fulfill this part, over 2000 real prescriptions were scanned and categorized based on the main drugs included. These prescriptions were used for both activities, namely medication dispensing and clinical scenarios. Furthermore, five senior pharmacy students wrote more than 200 clinical scenarios under a clinical pharmacist's supervision. The main objectives of pharmacy practice courses were followed to cover the most important must-to-know clinical tips, whether related to giving relevant advice as an OTC recommendation, referring the patient to a primary care physician, or just providing a piece of general health advice, which is expected to be comprehensively learned by pharmacy students. Conclusion: This program was designed as a simulated learning environment to help students develop prescription dispensing and clinical skills. To be considered a success, this simulation needed to provide equivalent or better learning outcomes than the current practice approach, which should be assessed in the future evaluation of the software, and then be promoted accordingly.

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Volume & Issue: Volume 11, Issue 1, January 2022

Evaluation of COVID-19 treatments in Iran in comparison with local therapeutic recommendations: A population-level study on utilization and costs of prescription drugs

Abstract

Perception of health professionals and the general population regarding the use of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in Puducherry, South India

Abstract

Patients' knowledge and practice on disposal of medicines kept in households in South Africa: Findings and implications

Abstract

Self-medication with modern and complementary alternative medicines in patients with chronic pain

Abstract

Community pharmacists' services during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study of Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Knowledge and compliance of hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection among Indian health-care workers

Abstract

The effect of consuming chicory juice by breastfeeding mothers on neonatal icterus

Abstract

Development of a web-based virtual simulated learning environment for pharmacy practice education

Abstract