Perfil da automedicação feita por usuários em uma farmácia comunitária no município de Natal/RN

Abstract

Self-medication is a procedure fundamentally defined by the decision of a patient, or the person responsible for them, to acquire or prepare and use a product that they believe offers benefits in the treatment of diseases or relief of symptoms, without the guidance or monitoring of a health professional qualified. This present work is a descriptive, quantitative and qualitative research, carried out in a Pague Menos pharmacy unit, located in the city of Natal/RN. A sample of 400 drug users and practitioners of self-medication were analyzed. Users from 18 years of age, male and female, regardless of gender expression, sexual orientation or gender identities were included in the study. However, only consumers who were assisted by the pharmacist, clerks or trainee (all of whom were responsible for obtaining the data) were considered for the purpose of the research, when a medication was requested that was in the “internal” part of the counter and consequently, there was no medical prescription, characterizing it as self-medication. However, customers who purchased products outside the counter, that is, they obtained them on their own, were excluded from the study, as well as those who marketed products inside the counter, even if they were served by the pharmacist, clerks or intern , however, had a medical prescription. Of the aforementioned total, 33.7% (n=135) bought antipyretics without a medical prescription, 22.5% (n=90) self- medicated with antiallergic and anti-inflammatory drugs, 21.5% (n=85) corresponded to indiscriminate use of analgesics. Health programs led by multidisciplinary teams, especially pharmacists, should be started immediately. The World Health Organization recognizes that the pharmacist is the most approved professional to carry out initiatives aimed at improving access and promoting the rational use of medicines, and this profession is also essential to systematize the fundamental support services for the full development of pharmaceutical assistance. Thus, we can state and/or qualify that the pharmacist's role in self-medication is to advise the user regarding the use of the medicine in a cohesive manner, proving self- confidence, and raising awareness of the risks arising from irrational use.