Pharmacists could be more proactive in osteoarthritis management
Pharmacists can play a bigger role in the management of osteoarthritis, according to a report published this week by the charity Arthritis Care.
The report, entitled “OA Nation”, is based on a study of
1,762 people with osteoarthritis. It reveals that four out of five people
with the condition are in constant pain and that access to pain relief
is lacking.
Of those patients taking prescribed medicines, a quarter were also buying
over-the-counter treatments. Patients were self-medicating with and without
the involvement of their doctor.
Medicines most commonly used were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors and painkillers, either alone or in combination.
Croydon pharmacist Andrew McCoig commented: “Many people [with
OA] are self-medicating using OTC medicines to supplement their prescriptions.
Pharmacists should question their patients to ascertain whether this
is appropriate and, where necessary, encourage them to see their GP for
a review.
“This is particularly important for people who have concomitant
conditions such as high blood pressure and stomach problems.” Altogether
72 per cent of study participants had concomitant conditions.
Arthritis Care is now calling for a UK-wide strategy incorporating agreed
standards of care for arthritis.
Arthritis Care awareness week runs between 24 and 30 April. |
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Pharmaceutical Journal
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