Journal of Pharmacovigilance

Prevalence of OTC medications in rural areas-An epidemiological survey report

3^rd International Conference and Exhibition on Pharmacovigilance & Clinical Trials

October 27-29, 2014 Hyderabad International Convention Centre, India

B Srinivas Teja, V Raghu Ram and Rama Rao Nadendla

Posters: J Pharmacovigilance

Abstract:

Introduction: Medication, when it is used properly, it may cure the problem, but when it is misused it may create a new problem. Prevalence rate of Drug related problems are more common in our country. Due to many reasons, this Drug related problems create excess burden on patient?s health. Adherence to OTC medication has gained momentum in our community, which is the major concern to health care. Objective: To assess the medication taking behavior & prevalence of OTC medication in rural areas. Methods: The study was conducted in rural areas of Guntur District for a period of 6 months among 3167 individuals in that 1,652 were male and 1,515 were female. We have assessed their medication taking behaviour for their common conditions. We have also assessed the commonly used drugs in OTC counters. Results: Here, we have found the figure, which is a major concern that 1849 individuals are using OTC counters, and 1318 individuals are using medication according to their physician?s order. We have also found that, most commonly used drug is Anti- pyretic agent for the condition fever. Conclusion: Lack of Proper awareness on medication & its use is a causative factor, which affects an individual?s quality living. It is the duty of pharmacist as a health care provider to create awareness on these issues for a better health.

Biography :

B Srinivas Teja is pursuing his doctor of pharmacy (IV/VI) from Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. He has published 3 articles in the international reputed journals during his study period, and he is a member of the ISPOR (International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research) student chapter. He has presented his papers in national and international conferences. Presently, he is carrying his research project in cancer under the university grant commission to discover the new molecules for therapy. He has attended many national and international conferences.