Drug Sales Research Articles

Compliance towards the Malaysian Laws on Poisons and Sale of Drugs: A Retrospective Observational Study in the state of Sarawak

Abstract Introduction: Compliance with the laws and regulations on the sale and supply of medicine ensures that it is conducted safely and professionally. Objectives: This study identify the compliance rate of community pharmacists and general practitioners in the state of Sarawak towards the Malaysian Laws on Poisons and Sale of Drugs and review the effect enforcement actions taken by the Sarawak Pharmacy Enforcement Branch. Methods: A cross sectional study where the data were extracted retrospectively from the annual inspection reports on community pharmacists and general practitioners conducted by the Sarawak Pharmacy Enforcement Branch from 2016 to 2020. Data were extracted using a self-developed data collection tool by trained enforcement officers. Overall, 50 criteria were examined but 24 more criteria were also examined for community pharmacists. Results: The compliance rate of community pharmacists has improved slightly from 58.6% in 2016 to 61.1% in 2020. Meanwhile, the compliance rate of general practitioners improved drastically, from 35.9% in 2016 to 71.2% in 2020. The recording provision on the supply of substances containing Codeine, Dextromethorphan, Ephedrine, and Pseudoephedrine (12.3%-24.1%) and of the Prescription Book (7.7%-27.6%) were the most common non-compliance recorded for all the 5 years among community pharmacists and general practitioners, respectively. Enforcement action “issuance of warning letters” found to induced major (79.6%) improvement in the compliance rate. Conclusion: The compliance rate of community pharmacists and general practitioners has improved throughout the years. The highest non-compliance rate was towards the recording provision on the supply of medicine. Constant assessment of compliance rate as well as the effectiveness of enforcement actions must be done regularly. Keywords: Community pharmacists, General Practitioners, Malaysian Laws on Poisons and Sale of Drugs, Compliance

The vacated space of volume/price of the drugs centralized procurement with quantity in secondary and above public hospitals of China

BackgroundIn 2018, the National Centralized Drug Procurement (NCDP) policy has been implemented in 11 provinces, and promoted across the country in 2019. The main feature of the policy is “volume for price”, therefore, it is necessary to measure the price relationship, not only to reduce the price of drugs, reduce the burden of patients' medical costs, but also facilitate pharmaceutical companies to access enough innovation incentives. The aim of this study was to assess the vacated space effect of the drug centralized procurement by national organizations in exchange of price for quantity.MethodsA difference-in-differences (DID) model was employed to analyze the effect of the 4 + 7 pilot drugs centralized purchasing policy on drug sales volume and selected versus clinically substitutable unselected varieties, using observational data from 2018 to 2019. We compared drug procurement data between secondary and above public hospitals in pilot and non-pilot cities throughout China.ResultsThe study showed that the average treatment effect (ATE) of sales in the in-hospital market for the selected supply varieties in centralized purchasing is -0.42, and with a sales volume of 0.49. This indicates a volume-price vacated space of 1.16 ~ 1.17 DDD (defined daily dose)/Yuan, implying that for every 1 defined daily dose (DDD) increase in reported volume, the standardized price decreased by 1.16–1.17 Yuan. The ATE of in-hospital market sales for drugs not selected in centralized procurement shows a decrease of 0.13. This finding highlights the presence of the price linkage effect. The ATE of sales volume is 0.57, indicating a volume-price space of 4.38 ~ 4.39 DDD/Yuan for unselected drugs, approximately 3.75 higher relative to that of the selected ones.ConclusionsThe ratio of the volume-price space of clinically substitutable unselected and selected drugs may serve as direct evidence for evaluating the shift from centralized purchasing of drug varieties to clinically substitutable other ones. To strengthen the volume-based negotiation approach and maximize the effectiveness of centralized purchasing policies, we recommend the strategic implementation of a three-tiered centralized purchasing system, the expansion of drug coverage, and the introduction of relevant constraints and incentives.

Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practices of second year MBBS students about over the counter drugs

Background: The utilization of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs among medical students during academic exams has raised concerns about health risks and potential implications. This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of OTC drug utilization among medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using pre-validated questionnaire. The data obtained was tabulated, analysed and the results were calculated in percentages.150 students had participated in this study of which 100 were selected by simple random sampling. Results: The use of OTC drugs was common amongst undergraduate students. Majority of students (92%) who participated in the study had used OTC drugs at some point in their life. Commonly used OTCs were antacids (73%) and the most common indications for use of OTCs was cough and cold (92%). 87% of students preferred OTC drugs due to ease and convenience while 44% preferred OTC drugs due to lack of time to consult the doctor. Doctors (32.3%) followed by family and friends; textbook/journals were found to be the most common source of information on OTC drugs. Conclusions: A tendency to choose self-medication over doctor’s consultation by most of the undergraduate medical students was consistently seen in the present study. This unrestrained use of OTC drugs certainly possesses several health risks. Awareness should be created among undergraduate medical students to restrict the use of OTC drugs and efforts should be undertaken to increase the sale of drugs without prescription.

The Use of Over-The-Counter Drugs and Its Health Implications in Awka South LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria

This work examined the use of over-the-counter drugs and its health implications in Awka South LGA of Anambra State, Nigeria. The objective of the study is to empirically interrogate the prevalence of over-the-counter drug use in Awka South LGA of Anambra State, Nigeria; the factors influencing it, and its health implications. The study used a mixed methods research approach, with 204 respondents selected through a multistage sampling procedure. The structured questionnaire and In-Depth Interview (IDI) guide acted as data-gathering tools. The quantitative data were coded and processed with SPSS version 20. Frequency tables were utilized to evaluate, characterize, and show the data, whereas quantitative data were manually transcribed and analyzed using content analysis. Two study hypotheses were developed and tested using chi-square inference statistics. This study revealed that various factors influence the use of OTC drugs in Awka South LGA. The study equally found that the use of OTC drugs is very prevalent in Awka South LGA. Moreover, the study also found that abusing OTC drugs has health implications. Based on these findings, this study recommended that the government should regulate the production, sale, and advertisement of OTC drugs. The study also recommended that sensitization and awareness programs should be carried out periodically to teach people when and when not to use OTC drugs.

Организационная структура преступной деятельности по сбыту наркотических средств и психотропных веществ бесконтактным способом

The article is devoted to the study of the organizational structure of criminal activity in the sale of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in a noncontact manner. It is indicated that the introduction of information and telecommunication technologies into the drug trade gives criminals a number of advantages over those who oppose them. This ensures a high degree of anonymity for both drug purchasers and those involved in their sale through the introduction of various programs, instant messengers, etc. It is stated that against the backdrop of the continuing growth of crimes related to the sale of prohibited substances using information technology, law enforcement agencies are unable to radically influence the current criminal situation in this area, since they work using old familiar methods. The author's view of this problem is substantiated taking into account the drug situation in the country. Purpose: to study the problem of the organizational structure of criminal activity for the sale of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in a noncontact manner in order to counter the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Research methods: the basis was a dialectical method of understanding the organizational structure of criminal activity in the sale of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in a non-contact manner from the standpoint of scientific research and the practice of law enforcement agencies. The authors identified signs characteristic of organized criminal groups involved in the contactless sale of drugs. The need for an integrated approach to solving the problem is outlined. Conclusions: the feasibility of studying the organizational structure of criminal activity in the contactless sale of drugs is proved, as well as the need for adequate counteraction from law enforcement agencies, the need to develop a methodology for identifying and investigating the illegal sale of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The scientific and practical significance of the study lies in the substantiation of the study of the organizational structure of criminal activity in the contactless sale of drugs, as well as the adoption of comprehensive measures to combat the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Квалификация фальсификации сотрудниками оперативных подразделений незаконного оборота наркотических средств

Purpose of the work: to overcome contradictions in approaches to the qualification of falsification by employees of operational units of the results of operational investigative activities (hereinafter referred to as ORA), associated with abuse of authority, illegal drug trafficking and bribery. Objective: formulating rules for qualifying crimes committed by operational officers in connection with the exercise of their powers: determining the relationship between falsifying the results of operational investigations and the “planting” of narcotic drugs; justification for the criminal legal assessment of such a “plant” by the operative; study of the significance of the violation of the rights of victims from falsification of the results of operational investigations and imitation of their commission of a crime; substantiation of the presence of signs of extortion of a bribe in the presentation by the operatives to the victims of the demand for the transfer of a monetary reward for not bringing to criminal responsibility. Methodological basis of the research: normative approach, formal legal, study of decisions of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, courts of general jurisdiction, study of doctrinal provisions of criminal law. Conclusions: it is shown that the “planting” of drugs by operatives to stage their sale, storage or acquisition by other persons cannot be recognized as the sale of narcotic drugs, since the subjects committing such actions do not have the intent to transfer them to the purchaser, i.e. for distribution. It is argued that the demand by employees of operational units of funds from citizens allegedly “exposed” of committing a crime using imitation or provocation, for not bringing them to criminal responsibility, is extortion of a bribe, and not fraud. The scientific significance of the study lies in the theoretical substantiation of the rules for qualifying falsification of the results of operational investigations by employees of operational units, associated with abuse of authority, illegal drug trafficking and bribery. The practical significance lies in the formulated rules for qualifying crimes committed by operational officers in connection with the suppression of illegal drug trafficking, but carried out through falsification, provocation and creating the appearance of committing attacks.

Crafting effective regulatory policies for psychedelics: What can be learned from the case of cannabis?

AbstractThe turn of the century brought a resurgence of interest in psychedelics as a treatment for addiction and other psychiatric conditions, accompanied by extensive positive media attention and private equity investment. Government regulatory bodies in Australia, Israel, Canada and the United States now permit use of psychedelics for medical purposes. In the United States, citizen action and corporate financing have led to petitions and ballot initiatives to legalize psilocybin and other psychedelics for medical and recreational use. Given this momentum, policymakers must grapple with important questions that define whether and how psychedelics are made available to the public, as well as how companies produce and promote them. The current push to broaden the production, sale, and use of psychedelics bears many parallels to the movement to legalize cannabis in the United States and other nations—most notably, the use of poorly‐evidenced therapeutic claims to create a de facto recreational market via the health care system. Experience with cannabis highlights the value of debating the question of legalization for nonmedical use as such rather than misrepresenting it as a medical issue. The lessons of cannabis policy also suggest a need to challenge hyping of psychedelic research findings; to promote rigorous clinical research on dosing and potency; to minimize the influence of for‐profit industry in shaping policies to their economic advantage; and to coordinate federal, state, and local governments to regulate the manufacture, sale and distribution of psychedelic drugs (regardless of whether they are legalized for medical and/or recreational use).

Potential Therapeutic Targets for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2.

Diabetes is one of the lifelong chronic metabolic diseases which is prevalent globally. There is a continuous rise in the number of people suffering from this disease with time. It is characterized by hyperglycemia, which leads to severe damage to the body's system, such as blood vessels and nerves. Diabetes occurs due to the dysfunction of pancreatic β -cell which leads to the reduction in the production of insulin or body cells unable to use insulin produce efficiently. As per the data shared International diabetes federation (IDF), there are around 415 million affected by this disease worldwide. There are a number of hit targets available that can be focused on treating diabetes. There are many drugs available and still under development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Inhibition of gluconeogenesis, lipolysis, fatty acid oxidation, and glucokinase activator is emerging targets for type 2 diabetes treatment. Diabetes management can be supplemented with drug intervention for obesity. The antidiabetic drug sale is the second-largest in the world, trailing only that of cancer. The future of managing diabetes will be guided by research on various novel targets and the development of various therapeutic leads, such as GLP-1 agonists, DPP-IV inhibitors, and SGLT2 inhibitors that have recently completed their different phases of clinical trials. Among these therapeutic targets associated with type 2 diabetes, this review focused on some common therapeutic targets for developing novel drug candidates of the newer generation with better safety and efficacy.

Social media threats and health among adolescents: evidence from the health behaviour in school-aged children study

BackgroundSocial media are immensely popular among adolescents. Thus, concerns have been raised about the threats adolescents encounter on social media and the possible negative health consequences, such as depressive symptoms and anxiety. This study investigated the prevalence of nine social media threats: (1) cyberbullying, (2) sexual harassment, (3) racism, (4) unauthorized distribution of sensitive material, (5) phishing attempts, (6) misinformation, (7) the sale or distribution of drugs, (8) harmful or dangerous social media challenges, (9) content causing appearance pressures. The study also investigated how individual and social factors, problematic social media use (PSMU), and online communication with strangers are associated with social media threat exposure, as well as the association between social media threats and self-rated health, depressive feelings, and anxiety symptoms.Methods and findingsNationally representative Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) data from Finland were obtained from 2288 respondents aged 11, 13, and 15 years. Fixed effects regression models were applied. The most common threat, encountered daily and weekly, was misinformation. Regression models showed that individual and social factors, PSMU, and online communication with strangers explained adolescent exposure to social media threats in differing ways. Furthermore, certain factors (e.g., emotional intelligence, family support) were associated with encountering social media threats less frequently, whereas other factors (e.g., PSMU, online communication with strangers) were associated with more frequent encounters. Daily and weekly exposure to social media threats was systematically associated with poor self-rated health, frequent depressive feelings, and anxiety symptoms.ConclusionsOur study highlights the need for intervention and health promotion efforts to mitigate adolescent exposure to social media threats and ensuing negative health consequences.

Use of lipid-lowering drugs in restricted health access settings: Results from the Trends in Drug Utilization During COVID-19 Pandemic in Turkey (PANDUTI-TR) study

BackgroundCOVID-19 restrictions prompted changes in chronic disease management and lifestyle modifications, potentially altering cardiometabolic indicators and lipid-lowering pharmacotherapy patterns. We aimed to assess lipid-lowering drug (LLD) utilization trends during COVID-19 restrictions. MethodsWe obtained nationwide outpatient drug sales and prescribing data for 01.03.2018–31.12.2022 from IQVIA™ Turkey. We evaluated average monthly LLD consumption, their costs, and quarterly prescribing levels in three periods: “before restrictions” (BfR, 01.03.2018–31.03.2020), “during restrictions” (DuR, 01.04.2020–31.03.2022), and “after restrictions” (AfR, 01.04.2022–31.12.2022). Drug utilization was measured via “defined daily dose/1000 inhabitants/day” (DID) metric. ResultsLLD utilization increased from 25.4 ± 3.1 DID in BfR to 36.2 ± 6.8 DID in DuR (p < 0.001), and to 42.6 ± 5.3 DID in AfR (p < 0.001 vs. BfR). Statin consumption significantly rose from 22.0 ± 3.0 DID in BfR to 31.6 ± 6.3 DID in DuR (p < 0.001), and further to 37.6 ± 4.7 DID in AfR (p < 0.01 vs. DuR). High-intensity statin consumption elevated by 115.9% in AfR compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Prescribing of LLDs decreased from 12.5 ± 0.6 DID in BfR to 7.2 ± 1.2 DID in DuR (p < 0.001), later reached 13.6 ± 3.8 DID in AfR (p < 0.001 vs. DuR), with prescribing for ongoing users following similar trend. Expenditure on LLDs increased from €8.4 m ± 0.9 m in BfR to €11.4 m ± 2.0 m in DuR (p < 0.001) and to €12.8 m ± 1.9 m in AfR (p < 0.001 vs. BfR). ConclusionsThis study revealed a surge in consumption of LLDs in Turkey following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This rise might be related to practices facilitating drug access, in addition to potentially greater adherence, or the necessity for more intense pharmacotherapy due to elevated cardiovascular risk.

Overview of Sales and Investment of Generık Drugs "X" Pharmacy, Kampung Satu District, Tarakan City Using ABC Analysis in 2022

Pharmacies as health facilities and businesses, require good management to avoid shortages or excess stock of medicines. This research aims to optimize generic drug inventory management at pharmacy "X" using the ABC method. Using a quantitative and retrospective descriptive approach, generic drug sales data for the period January- December 2022 were analyzed. As a result, Group A consisted of 23 drug items with a total sales transaction of 5,877 (69.89%), Group B consisted of 28 drug items with a total sales transaction of 1,654 (19.67%), and Group C consisted of 71 items with the number of sales transactions was 878 (10.44%). In terms of investment value, Group A consists of 31 medicinal items with an investment value of Rp. 39,058,600 (69.63% of the total), Group B consists of 33 medicinal items with an investment value of Rp. 11,290,000 (20.13% of the total), and Group C consists of 58 medicinal items with an investment value of Rp. 5,743,300 (10.24% of the total). The ABC method can optimize generic drug inventory management at pharmacy “X”, enable prioritization based on sales frequency and investment value, and increase efficiency.

New Estimates on the Cost of a Delay Day in Drug Development.

Two frequently cited figures by clinical research insiders and observers - the cost of missing a day to generate prescription drug sales and the cost of a day to conduct a clinical trial - are outdated and based on anecdotal evidence. In late 2023, the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development conducted empirical research to gather more accurate and granular estimates and to test whether average sales per day have changed over time. 645 drugs launched since 2000, and 409 clinical trial budgets were drawn from commercially available and proprietary data sets and analyzed. The results indicate that a single day equals approximately $500,000 in lost prescription drug or biologic sales, with daily prescription sales for infectious, hematologic, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal diseases among the highest. The results also show that each year, the average sales per day of prescription drugs and biologics has decreased by approximately $80,000-$100,000. The estimated direct daily cost to conduct a clinical trial is approximately $40,000 per day for phase II and III clinical trials, with those in respiratory, rheumatology, and dermatology having the highest relative daily direct costs.

AI and pharma: Transforming the paradigm, embracing the new era

This review delves into the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the pharmaceutical industry, exploring a wide spectrum of clinical and commercial applications, challenges and risks, potential solutions, and future outlooks as these domains converge. With the rapid advancement of AI, this review addresses the profound implications of AI in the life sciences sector, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize drug discovery, clinical trials, personalized medicine, pharmacovigilance, sales, and marketing. While lauding the paradigm-shifting prospects, this paper confronts the ethical, privacy, and bias risks entwined with AI development and deployment. Forward-looking solutions, including fortified data governance frameworks, transparent AI algorithms, and interdisciplinary alliances, stand as bulwarks against these impediments. Furthermore, it considers the possibilities afforded to AI by emergent technologies, such as quantum cloud computing and low-code solutions. In conclusion, this review envisions a future where AI, in collaboration with innovative technologies, reshapes the pharmaceutical landscape. By promoting informed discussions and collaboration, this review seeks to empower the industry to harness the transformative potential of AI in an ethical manner.

Circumstances to be established during investigation of the involvement of minors in the illegal production, manufacture, purchase, storage, transportation, shipment or sale of narcotics, psychotropic substances or their analogues

The scientific article discloses the circumstances to be established during the investigation of the involvement of minors in the illegal production, manufacture, acquisition, storage, transportation, forwarding or sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues. As a result of a detailed analysis of the scientific literature on criminology and the criminal process, it was established that at the current stage of development, this issue remains insufficiently researched. The positions of scientists regarding the importance of the circumstances to be established in certain methods of investigation of criminal offenses are considered. It is established that in criminal offenses committed by minors, in addition to the circumstances provided for in Art. 91 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, it is also necessary to find out: 1) complete and comprehensive information about the person of the minor: his age (date, month, year of birth), state of health and level of development, other social and psychological features of the person, which must be taken into account when individualizing responsibility or selected educational events. If there is evidence of a minor's mental retardation not related to mental illness, it should also be determined whether he could fully understand the meaning of his actions and to what extent he could control them; 2) the minor's attitude towards the act committed by him; 3) living conditions and upbringing of a minor; 4) the presence of adult instigators and other accomplices of the criminal offense. In the course of the study, it was found that every circumstance that must be established at the beginning of the pre-trial investigation of this category of crimes in accordance with Art. 91 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine should be considered in relation to the circumstances provided for in Art. 485 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (taking into account the age and socio-psychological characteristics of minors) in order to achieve the objectives of criminal proceedings, in particular when establishing: a) the circumstances of the fact (event) involving a minor in the illegal production, manufacture, acquisition, storage, transportation, forwarding or sale of narcotics means, psychotropic substances or their analogues; the circumstances of the minor's culpability (it is necessary to establish the exact age in order to be able to prosecute); b) circumstances characterizing the person of a minor (their living conditions, upbringing, state of health, level of development).

Features of anti-drug work with students of non-medical specialties of higher and secondary professional education in the Kursk region in the conditions of post-pandemic reality

The problem of drug addiction is a problem that affects all spheres of society: economic, political, legal, large-scale, moral. Throughout post-Soviet history, since only the silence of these phenomena was a crisis, drug addiction has been an exclusively youth problem. Works from the 1990s to the early 2000s pointed to a rejuvenation of drug addiction problems: the most progressive drug addiction was in the age group from 15 to 19 years, and in the period from 2000 to 2010, the average age of initiation of drug addiction decreased to 10-14 years [7 ]. From 2012 – 2014 There was a tendency towards a restructuring of the morbidity structure, and it was revealed that the most vulnerable group of the population are people aged 18 to 40 years [6]. The average age of first trial has also shifted towards adulthood [3]. All this indicates that student youth are the most vulnerable to drug addiction risk factors. With the onset of the pandemic and the lockdown, teenagers and young people found themselves in London. Many were forced to be alone for several days due to sudden poisoning, many suffered due to losses at work and their only source of income. At the same time, psychological risk factors associated with drug use have worsened [6]. According to the data obtained by the Russian authorities, due to the reduction in the distribution and availability of narcotic substances in the first two months of the pandemic, there was a rapid decline in the detection of drug-related crimes. However, after some time, the popularity of not only communication on social networks increased, but also the sale of drugs through them among teenagers and students. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, drug distribution and trafficking have increased in the context of the web, and since the summer of 2020, the volumes of the illegal drug market have recovered and increased to heights [8, 9]. Thus, the period under study is 2022–2023. The youth community approached in the context of the consequences of serious psychological trauma, a shortage of anti-drug information during the covid period and an intensification of the illegal supply of drugs. Prevention 2022 – 2023 – this is largely ―catching up.‖

Trends and regional differences in antidiabetic medication use: a nationwide retrospective observational study

Background The prevalence of diabetes is increasing, and several new drug groups have been authorized and used successfully in the treatment of diabetes, while older drug groups are still in use. Our aim was to assess the utilization tendencies and regional differences in antidiabetic medication consumption in Hungary between 2015 and 2021 and to identify the possible determinants of regional differences in antidiabetic medication use.MethodsFor this retrospective drug utilization study, yearly wholesale database was used, which provides total coverage for ambulatory antidiabetic drug sales in Hungary, including both reimbursed and non-reimbursed medications. Data were expressed as Defined Daily Dose per 1000 inhabitants per day (DDD/TID), percentage of total use and the ratio of the highest and lowest utilization values among the counties (max/min ratio). To assess the potential reasons for regional differences in antidiabetic drug use, we analyzed the associations between regional drug utilization data and possible determinants.ResultsThe total national antidiabetic medication use has increased by 7.6% and reached 94.8 DDD/TID in 2021. Regarding antidiabetic subgroups, the use of metformin and novel antidiabetics (DPP4Is, GLP1As and SGLT2Is) and their combinations increased in all counties, while sulfonylurea consumption decreased, and insulin use was stable. In 2021, 19.2–24.1% of the total antidiabetic medication consumption was novel antidiabetics, 39.1–47.2% metformin, 14.8–25.8% sulfonylureas and 23.6–30.5% were insulins. Regional differences in antidiabetic medication consumption were considerable mainly in the case of GLP1As (max/min ratio:3.00), sulfonylureas (2.03) and SGLT2Is (1.92) in 2021. The association between antidiabetic medication use and possible determinants was confirmed in the case of unemployment rate and sulfonylurea use, the number of public medical card holders per ten thousand inhabitants and human insulin and sulfonylurea use. GLP1As were the only antidiabetic drug group that did not correlate with any of the investigated factors.ConclusionsAlthough novel antidiabetic drug use was growing dynamically in Hungary, sulfonylurea use is still considerable. Differences in antidiabetic drug consumption were substantial between the regions.

Implications of Emulating a Dermatologist: A Study of Topical medication usage for dermatoses prescribed by Non-Dermatologists in a rural area

Introduction: Over-the-counter (OTC) medications refer to drugs that a patient can purchase without prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Topical OTC medication usage for skin disorders is common in rural India, due to non-availability of Dermatologists. Inappropriate use of such drugs has resulted in various cutaneous adverse effects and antifungal resistance. Aims: To determine the pattern of usage of the different OTC topical medications for various Dermatological indications, their source of prescription and their cutaneous adverse effects. Materials and Methods: Patients presenting to Dermatology OPD with a history of usage of topical OTC drugs for skin disorders were recruited. Details such as type of OTC drug used, the source of its prescription, indications for which it was advised and patients knowledge regarding steroids were documented. Patients were examined for cutaneous adverse effects. Results: Out of 100 patients there were 46 males and 54 females. Dermatophytosis (29%) was the most common indication for which these drugs were used. The common side effects were itching (17.86%) and burning sensation (13.39%). Majority of the drugs were advised by pharmacists (36%) followed by friends and relatives (29%). Betamethasone was the commonest steroid and Betnovate was the commonest brand misused. Majority (97%) of the patients were unaware of topical steroids and their adverse effects. Conclusion: The growing threat of OTC drug abuse is evident from our study. Stringent drug control policies are required to regulate the sale of topical OTC drugs. Creating awareness among patients and General physicians about the adverse effects of OTC topical medications including steroids is truly the need of the hour.

Epidemiology of Substance Abuse Among the Youths in Makueni County, Kenya

Introduction: Majority of youths all over the world ignorantly rely on one or more types of drugs for their everyday activities, including Mandrax, Cocaine, Tobacco, Heroine, Khat, Morphine, Alcohol, Amphetamines, Ephedrine, and Glue among others. This study’s purpose was to evaluate the epidemiology of substance abuse among the youths in Makueni County, Kenya. The broad objectives that guided the study was; to determine the epidemiology of substance abuse among the youths in Makueni County, Kenya. Methodology: -A Cross-sectional mixed-method study design was undertaken, with the target population consisting of all youths from Makueni County&amp;apos;s eight main marketplaces. Purposive sampling was employed to obtain the 8 Major urban centres while simple random selection approach was employed to obtain respondents in each market. Qualitative data was collected using 8 key informants to supplement the quantitative data collected from the youths. A self-administered questionnaire was employed. Quantitative data was analysed using Descriptive as well as inferential statistics while qualitative narrative data was grouped into themes and was presented inform of texts with verbatim quotes used to amplify the voice of the informants. Results: The study sampled 384 respondents from Makueni County. Prevalence of Drug/Substance abuse stood at 62.3 % with alcohol (58.3%) being the most commonly abused drug/Substance. Hard Drugs were the least abused with 96.9% reporting they had never abused. Pearson correlation between gender, age and education level on prevalence of drug abuse in Makueni showed a weak positive relationship(r=0.032), weak negative relationship (r=-0.064) and a significant negative relationship (r=-0.212) respectively. High unemployment rates 62.3%, easy availability of drugs 34.3%, Peer pressure 72.3%, cheap cost of drugs 28.3% and poverty level 15.1% are main contributory factors to drug abuse. A chi-square run on the factors contributing to drug abuse also indicated a significant positive relationship between the local music, TV programs, friends, and social media with prevalence of drug abuse in Makueni County. The chi-square results also revealed a weak positive relationship between parents and prevalence of drug abuse in Makueni County. Faith-based organizations, local leaders, religious leaders, and non-governmental organizations had a strong negative relationship with prevalence of drug abuse in Makueni County. Conclusion &amp; Recommendations: There is high prevalence of Drug/Substance abuse among the youths in Makueni County and both the County Government, national Government and the community in general must put stringent measures to curb the easy availability, sale and buying of abusive Drugs and other substances in the county.

Research of trends in population consumption of antihypertensive drugs in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation

Aim is to study of the characteristics of population consumption of antihypertensive drugs in individual regions of the Russian Federation (using the example of Moscow and St. Petersburg).&#x0D; Materials and methods. When conducting the study, the following methods were used: content analysis, structural, comparative, logical, systemic, predictive, retrospective, graphic, marketing. The results were processed using normalization methods and mathematical statistics. The object of the study was statistical indicators of the sale of a range of antihypertensive drugs in the retail sector of the pharmaceutical market in Moscow and St. Petersburg.&#x0D; Results. In Moscow and St. Petersburg there is a wide range of drugs sold for the treatment of arterial hypertension. Monopreparations predominate in the sales structure of both constituent entities of the Russian Federation (90.08% and 85.64%). In Moscow, the leaders in consumption among single drugs are ACE inhibitors (26.62%), in St. Petersburg - -blockers (25.67%). In the subgroup of fixed combinations in both regions of the Russian Federation, ACE inhibitors in combination with diuretics are most in demand, accounting for 3.54% and 5.15% in the structure of sales of antihypertensive drugs in Moscow and St. Petersburg, respectively. Ratings of the most popular single drugs and fixed combinations of antihypertensive drugs have been compiled. A mathematical and statistical analysis was carried out.&#x0D; Conclusions. This article describes the characteristics of the population consumption of drugs prescribed for arterial hypertension in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The most consumed classes of antihypertensive drugs and INNs were identified. It has been established that there is a relationship between the sales volumes of drugs in physical terms (in packages) prescribed for arterial hypertension, the population size and the incidence of CSD in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

Separate problems of detecting the illegal sale of narcotics

The scientific article examines issues related to identifying the problems of detecting the illegal sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues and precursors. A number of problems related to the detection by law enforcement officers of the illegal sale of narcotic drugs have been clarified and outlined. A number of means and measures that organized criminal groups use for the possibility of illegal sale of narcotic drugs have also been established, and they have been considered.&#x0D; It has been established that drug criminals constantly improve the methods of illegal sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues and precursors, using new means and tools. This, in turn, gives rise to problems of detecting illegal drug sales.&#x0D; An inseparable part of modern organized criminal groups involved in the illegal sale of narcotic drugs is the conspiracy of illegal activities, the use of various mechanisms to ensure against direct contact with buyer during their transfer. The members of some criminal groups do not know the members of other criminal groups, but contact only those with whom they work continuously. Such organized criminal groups have an extensive and complex structure with a strict division of roles, high discipline, and hierarchy. Conspiracy, high mobility, the availability of means of communication, a significant level of organization, as well as establishing cooperation and reducing competition between other criminal groups complicates the possibilities of detecting narcotics during illegal transportation.&#x0D; It was found that a number of problems in detecting the illegal distribution of narcotic drugs depend not only on the constant ingenuity and improvement of the criminal activity of criminals, but also on the continuous updating of the knowledge of law enforcement officers about the peculiarities of such activity and their professionalism. And therefore consideration of this problem is a necessary condition for effective detection of illegal sale of narcotics.