All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.

Abstract

Analysis of Patient Benefit Information on the Labels of Non-Prescription Medicines in India

Author(s): Raj Vaidya* and Mp Joshi
Department of Pharmacology, Goa College of Pharmacy, Panaji, Goa 403001, India

Correspondence Address:
Raj Vaidya, Department of Pharmacology, Goa College of Pharmacy, Panaji, Goa 403001, India, E-mail: rajxvaidya@gmail.com


Self-medication, a rampant reality in developing countries such as India, requires attention to ensure safe use of medicines by patients. It is not always possible to visit a health care provider and not always needed also. Self-medication with non-prescription medicines is a common and accepted practice all over the world. It is therefore essential that adequate information is present on the label of non-prescription medicines so that the consumers can take appropriate decisions to self-medicate rationally. In our study, we analyzed 300 labels of non-prescription allopathic medicines in India, and checked for the presence, organization and ease of location of various important information for the benefit of the patient to make a right choice to consume the medicine. We found that in most of the labels, the information was not presented in an organized, easy to find manner. Further, a lot of information related to warnings, indications, purpose, dosing information, as is mandatory on the labels of non-prescription medicines of various other countries was not present on the labels. The non-availability of the correct information that guides the consumer to use these medicines rationally and responsibly is in a way denial of right to health. It is important therefore that necessary regulations and guidelines be put in place in India to ensure that the labels of non-prescription medicines should contain the necessary important information which is easy to locate, in the best interest of the patient.

Full-Text | PDF

 
 
Google scholar citation report
Citations : 69022

Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences received 69022 citations as per google scholar report