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BACKGROUND: Ailments such as diarrhoea and antibiotic-associated gut symptoms are generally self-managed using probiotics. Real-world data on reasons behind self-medication with over-the-counter (OTC) products and patient-reported outcomes can be investigated strategically by the pharmacists. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the use of Bacillus clausii (Enterogermina®) at the Italian community pharmacies among self-medicating patients, their treatment habits and perceived benefits. DESIGN: This is a multicentre, prospective, non-interventional study which included two visits [at screening (T0) and end of the study (T1) when symptoms had subsided, ≤ 30 days from T0]. Patients who were already inclined to buy B. clausii were enrolled and instructed to complete a questionnaire at T0 and T1. The primary objective was to evaluate the reasons for taking B. clausii. Secondary objectives assessed treatment duration, perceived effectiveness, quality of life (QoL), treatment satisfaction and safety outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, 268 patients were enrolled; 99.6% of them were evaluated at T0 and 97.4% at T1, and safety was evaluated in 97.8% who had ≥ 1 dose of B. clausii. At T0, mean age was 50.7 years and majority were females (62.2%). In the interview, main reason stated for using B. clausii at T0 was diarrhoea (56.93%), followed by other gastrointestinal symptoms. Treatment duration was shorter in those with diarrhoea or abdominal pain versus those with constipation or abdominal tension. More than 90% perceived their symptoms to have improved or improved very much. Overall QoL improved in all the aspects measured. Treatment satisfaction was reported by nearly 90% of patients as satisfied, very satisfied or extremely satisfied. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: This is the first pharmacy-based study in Italy that evaluated the real-world usage of an OTC probiotic containing B. clausii among self-medicating adults. Diarrhoea was the most common reason for use, with high-level of perceived effectiveness and patient satisfaction with B. clausii.
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(1) Background: Corticosteroids are commonly used for a variety of conditions, but their use might come with significant side effects. Self-medication practices increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially favoring corticosteroid misuse. Studies on this topic are lacking, thus we aim to characterize the misuse of corticosteroids in Italy through pharmacists' perspectives and sales reports. (2) Methods: We sent to territorial pharmacists a survey that aimed to investigate corticosteroid misuse before and during the pandemic. In parallel, sales reports of the major oral corticosteroids were obtained from IQVIA. (3) Results: We found that 34.8% of clients demanded systemic corticosteroids without a valid prescription, with a rise to 43.9% during the pandemic (p < 0.001). Adults and patients suffering from upper airway diseases or obstructive airway diseases most frequently asked for corticosteroids without an appropriate prescription. The greatest increase after the beginning of the pandemic was seen for lung diseases. Although sales of the major oral corticosteroids decreased during the pandemic, sales of those used for COVID-19 increased. (4) Conclusions: Self-medication with corticosteroids is common and might lead to avoidable toxicities. This tendency increased during the pandemic probably because of incorrect beliefs about the inappropriate use of corticosteroids for treating COVID-19 itself. The development of shared strategies between doctors and pharmacists is essential in defining protocols guiding appropriate patient referral in order to minimize corticosteroid misuse.
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BACKGROUND AND AIM: A rectal ointment containing 3% of sucralfate and herbal extracts (calendula, witch hazel leaf (hamamelis), chamomile), became available in Italy in 2019 for the treatment of symptoms associated with haemorrhoidal disease. This survey evaluated the effect of the mentioned sucralfate ointment, on quality of life (QoL) and symptom frequency in participants seeking treatment for haemorrhoidal disease from community pharmacies in Italy. METHODS: EMOCARE was a multicentre prospective survey conducted at community pharmacies in Italy. Eligible participants (≥18 years) were those with haemorrhoidal symptoms in the last 7 days and were willing to initiate a treatment with the sucralfate ointment and herbal extracts (calendula, witch hazel leaf (hamamelis), chamomile). A survey was administered by the investigating pharmacists at the beginning and end (~14 days) of treatment. The primary endpoint was the change in HEMO-FISS-QoL scores. RESULTS: Of the 290 (mean age 53.1 years old; 58.3% female) enrolled, 287 attended the follow-up visit. After a mean duration of 13 days, the sucralfate ointment significantly improved total HEMO-FISS-QoL scores (mean change from baseline: -10.41; 95%CI -11.95, -8.86; P<0.001) and mean scores for all domains of the HEMO-FISS-QoL scale (-11.13 [95%CI -12.95, -9.30] for physical disorders, -6.14 [95%CI -7.42, -4.85] for psychology, -18.79 [95% CI -21.67, -15.90] for defaecation, and -6.46 [95%CI -8.40, -4.51] for sexuality; all P<0.001 versus baseline). At the end of treatment, 39.4% of participants reported that they no longer had haemorrhoidal symptoms and the frequency of all assessed symptoms were reduced significantly from baseline (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: After a mean 13 days of treatment the sucralfate ointment with herbal extracts improved HEMO-FISS-QoL scores and reduced symptoms in people with haemorrhoidal disease.