To switch or not to switch—first Germany-wide study from the perspective of pharmacists in the European environment

Abstract

The consent of community pharmacists is an important factor for the successful implementation of Rx-to-OTC switches but is not part of the official reclassification procedure in Germany. The aim was to identify potential switch candidates and indications in addition to a basic assessment of new switches in Germany. The survey was distributed via the online survey tool of the pharmaceutical journal “Deutsche Apotheker Zeitung” within the period from 20 September to 8 October 2017. The survey comprised 17 questions. Besides some basic parameters, the questionnaire included a list of proposals for new switch candidates, a vote on the general support as well as economic and health professional expectations regarding further switches. The highest consent scores were obtained for second-generation antihistamines for treatment of hay fever such as desloratadine, fexofenadine and levocetirizine. Nine hundred forty pharmacy employees participated in the survey. Beside second-generation antihistamines, there are further preferred switches for nasal glucocorticoids, proton pump inhibitors, ocular antibiotics and emergency kits for acute dyspnoea. Pharmacists strongly welcome further switches. This leads to high acceptance rates, especially for a switch of desloratadine, as this was the most named active ingredient possible for a switch within the survey. The outcome of this survey can support pharmaceutical companies in decision-making about which active substances they should submit a switch application for. Additionally, this helps fulfil patient needs, because pharmacists know best what is beneficial for patient self-care. In addition, all other actors involved in this process can see what is required and can rethink their position regarding further switches.