Evaluation of habits in a self-medication in associated community pharmacy in Aracaju/SE: the light for the pharmacist

Abstract

When performed consistently, with the guidance and monitoring of pharmaceuticals, self-medication may have benefits. However, an erroneous self-medication can have serious consequences for the individual who is worth it. The objective of this study is to evaluate the self-medication profile of patients treated at a community pharmacy in the city of Aracaju / SE. We conducted a cross-sectional study, exploratory in a community pharmacy, with sample of 293 patients treated between 20 days in the year 2011. We observed the following profile: patients, mostly women, were single aged 21-30 years, which in most cases seeking advice, either a pharmacist or a third party to purchase drugs for personal use. There was a coherence to symptoms such as headache, cold / flu and ordered the drugs, including analgesics / antipyretic and medicines for colds / flu. However, patients often require prescription drugs. It was noted that access to information led to the self-medication. These facts require an understanding of pharmacists' competence and the limits of their intervention in the health-disease process.