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Availability of over-the-counter drugs for arthritis in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Author

Listed:
  • Ferraz, Marcos Bosi
  • Pereira, Ronaldo Borges
  • Paiva, Jose Gerardo A
  • Atra, Edgard
  • Santos, Jose Quirino Dos

Abstract

Seventy pharmacies located in Sao Paulo were randomly selected and visited. Seven researchers posed as ordinary clients presenting with a standardized complaint of symptoms according to a scenario previously defined. The client asked for medicines to relieve his/her pain or discomfort. After the seller's suggestion the client asked for 2 drugs randomly selected from a drug list containing 30 trademarked drugs commonly prescribed to arthritis patients. These drugs should be available only on prescription. In only 12.8% of the pharmacies did the seller initially suggest the client see a physician. The sellers 'prescribed' non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), vitamins, analgesics (AN) and corticosteroids (CO) in respectively 42.8, 20.0, 14.3 and 5.7% of the visits. From the drug list, the client secured 67.7% of the NSAID, 65.0% of the CO and 20.0% of the sedatives without presenting a prescription. Pharmacy sellers usually comply with the clients demands. Future studies should aim at the evaluation of interventions to reduce the availability of the over-the-counter drugs for arthritis.

Suggested Citation

  • Ferraz, Marcos Bosi & Pereira, Ronaldo Borges & Paiva, Jose Gerardo A & Atra, Edgard & Santos, Jose Quirino Dos, 1996. "Availability of over-the-counter drugs for arthritis in Sao Paulo, Brazil," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 42(8), pages 1129-1131, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:42:y:1996:i:8:p:1129-1131
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    Cited by:

    1. Hoa, Nguyen Quynh & Ohman, Ann & Lundborg, Cecilia Stalsby & Chuc, Nguyen Thi Kim, 2007. "Drug use and health-seeking behavior for childhood illness in Vietnam--A qualitative study," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 82(3), pages 320-329, August.

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