Análise do estoque domiciliar de medicamentos de usuários da Estratégia Saúde da Família, em Rondonópolis - MT, Brasil / Analysis of the home medication stock of users of the Family Health Strategy in Rondonópolis - MT, Brazil

É comum o armazenamento de medicamentos pelas famílias brasileiras, seja por uso contínuo, por sobras de um tratamento, pelo abandono ou para a automedicação. Dessa maneira o presente estudo objetiva analisar o estoque domiciliar de medicamentos da população adstrita na Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) de Rondonópolis-MT de fevereiro a junho de 2022, visando analisar as condições de armazenamento, realizar o levantamento de todos os fármacos dos domicílios em suas diferentes formas farmacêuticas e identificar o perfil de uso dos medicamentos conforme suas indicações terapêuticas. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, de caráter exploratório, e de base descritiva. Foi aplicado um questionário por domicílio durante visita domiciliar. Sobre a amostra estudada, 83,9% (n=281) dos entrevistados era do sexo feminino, faixa etária com predomínio de pessoas acima de 40 anos, com um nível de escolaridade baixo e renda familiar mais baixa. Dos participantes da pesquisa, 97,6% possuíam farmácia caseira. Esses medicamentos eram armazenados principalmente na cozinha, no quarto e na sala. As classes terapêuticas mais numerosas foram: analgésicos (14,2%), AINEs (8,9%) e anti-hipertensivos (7,7%). A quantidade de medicamentos armazenados foi significativamente maior entre praticantes de automedicação e participantes sem conhecimento adequado sobre o uso dos medicamentos, revelando a necessidade do farmacêutico como promotor de ações de educação em saúde sobre uso racional de medicamentos.

It is common for Brazilian families to store medications, whether for continuous use, leftover from treatment, due to abandonment, or for self-medication. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the home drug storage of the population attached to the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in Rondonópolis-MT from February to June 2022, to assess storage conditions, conduct a survey of all pharmaceuticals in the households in their different pharmaceutical forms, and identify the medication use profile according to their therapeutic indications. This was a cross-sectional, exploratory, descriptive-based study. A questionnaire was administered to each household during home visits. Regarding the study sample, 83.9% (n=281) of the respondents were female, predominantly over 40 years old, with a low level of education and lower family income. Of the participants, 97.6% had home pharmacies. These medications were primarily stored in kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms. The most numerous therapeutic classes were analgesics (14.2%), NSAIDs (8.9%), and antihypertensive drugs (7.7%). The quantity of stored medications was significantly higher among those practicing self-medication and participants with inadequate knowledge about medication use, revealing the need for pharmacists as promoters of health education actions on rational drug use.

Impacto da implantação do inventário rotativo diário na acurácia do estoque de medicamentos em um hospital público de médio porte / Impact of the implementation of the daily rotating inventory on the accuracy of the medicines stock in a medium-sized public hospital

Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da implantação do inventário rotativo diário na acurácia do estoque de medicamentos em um hospital público de médio porte. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo exploratório transversal que avaliou a implantação de um inventário rotativo de janeiro a julho de 2022. Foram selecionados 143 medicamentos que posteriormente foram inventariados, uma vez por mês, ao longo de sete meses. Esses medicamentos foram classificados segundo a curva ABC, XYZ e o grau de divergência em: baixo, médio e alto. Foi calculada a acurácia para cada grupo, ao longo dos meses analisados, e o Percentual de Mudança Relativa (PMR) para comparação entre o período inicial e final. Resultado: Houveum aumento de 64% na acurácia do estoque de medicamentos, sendo observada diferença entre os grupos ABC e XYZ. Em relação a curva ABC, o grupo A teve um aumento de 170%, o B de 358% e o C de 23% no mesmo período. Em relação a criticidade, o grupo Z foi o que teve maior acurácia, seguido dos grupos Y e X. Os medicamentos classificados como de alta taxa de divergência tiveram redução de 80% e o de baixa 25% após implantação do inventário. Conclusão: A implantação do inventário rotativo aumentou a acurácia do estoque de medicamentos ao longo dos meses avaliados. Essa ferramenta pode ser uma estratégia utilizada na melhoria do gerenciamento de estoque de medicamentos. (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the impact of implementing a daily rotating inventory on the accuracy of medicines stocks in a medium-sized public hospital. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional exploratory descriptive study that evaluated the implementation of a rotating inventory from January to July 2022. 143 medicines were selected and subsequently inventoried once a month over seven months. These medicines were classified according to the ABC, XYZ curve and the degree of divergence in low, medium and high. Accuracy was calculated for each group, over the analyzed months, and the Relative Percentage Change (RPC) for comparison between the initial and final period. Result: There was a 64% increase in the accuracy of medicines inventory, with a difference being observed between the ABC and XYZ groups. Regarding the ABC curve, group A had an increase of 170%, group B 358% and group C 23% in the same period. Regarding criticality, group Z had the highest accuracy, followed by groups Y and X. Medicines classified as having a high rate of divergence had a reduction of 80% and the low rate of 25% after implementation of the inventory. Conclusion: The implementation of the rotating inventory increased the accuracy of the medicines stock over the evaluated months. This tool can be a strategy used to improve medicine inventory management. (AU)

A questionnaire-based study evaluating medication storage habits of patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: Due to easy availability and high prevalence of chronic diseases, an increased number of drugs are being prescribed per family. It is important to ensure patients are aware of appropriate storage requirements to prevent negative health and economic consequences. Aim and Objectives: (1) To identify drug storage habits of patients (2) To evaluate the awareness of patients regarding appropriate storage conditions. (3) To identify potential harmful usage patterns of stored drugs in the household. Materials and Methods: This is a survey-based study among 100 patients attending the medicine outpatient department (OPD). A pre-validated questionnaire was given to the participants and response was collected and analyzed. Results: All participants reported storage of medications at home. An average of 3.42 ± 1.8 drugs were stored at home. Future use (50%) was the most common reason for storing medications. Analgesics (35%), cardiovascular medications (35%), and antibiotics were the most common drug groups to be stored. Bedroom cabinets and drawers were the most common storage location. Only 25% of participants were aware that drugs had specific storage requirements. Most participants (85%) could not read or understand the label present on drug formulations. Conclusion: Awareness of appropriate home storage conditions for medications remains low. This presents an opportunity for health-care providers and workers to better communicate storage instructions. Understanding patient behavior in this regard may lead to better health outcomes

Descarte inadequado de medicamentos no ambiente domiciliar e fatores associados / Inappropriate disposal of medications in the home environment and associated factors

A destinação inadequada de resíduos sólidos, como os resíduos farmacêuticos, ainda é um problema a ser superado. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se estimar a prevalência de descarte inadequado de medicamentos no domicílio; analisar a frequência de como os medicamentos são descartados e descrever os motivos de descarte. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, descritivo, realizado por meio de entrevistas com os usuários da Atenção Básica do município de Araquari, Santa Catarina. Foram entrevistados 316 participantes, sendo (74,1%)do sexo feminino, com idade entre 28 e 47 anos (46,2%), ensino médio completo e incompleto (45,2%), e que possuem rede de esgoto em suas residências (39,2%). Dentre as formas farmacêuticas, os medicamentos sólidos foram apontados com a maior proporção de descarte inadequado (71,2%), sendo a maioria em lixo doméstico (53,2%). As tubulações domésticas foram indicadas como as vias mais frequentes de descarte para medicamentos líquidos (41,1%).Conclui-se que o hábito de guarda da sobra de medicamentos está associado ao descarte inadequado nas três formas farmacêuticas avaliadas. Além disso, a baixa escolaridade também se associou ao descarte inadequado de medicamentos líquidos e outras formas farmacêuticas.

The inadequate disposal of solid waste, such as pharmaceutical waste, is still a public health problemto be overcome. Inthis study, the objective was to estimate the prevalence of inappropriate disposal of medicines at home; analyze the frequency of how drugs are discarded and describe the reasons for discarding. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study carried out through interviews with users of Primary Health Care in the city of Araquari, Santa Catarina. A total of 316 participants were interviewed, being (74.1%) female, aged between 28 and 47 years (46.2%), having complete and incomplete high school (45.2%), and who have a sewage system in their residences (39.2%). Among the pharmaceutical forms, solid drugs were identified with the highest proportion of inappropriate disposal (71.2%), most of them in domestic waste(53.2%). Domestic pipes were identified as the most frequent means of disposal for liquid medicines (41.1%). It is concluded that the habit of storing leftover medicines is associated with inappropriate disposal in the three pharmaceutical forms evaluated. In addition, low education was also associated with the inappropriate disposal of liquid medicines and other pharmaceutical forms.

Establishment and evaluation of “integration of drug storage and dispensing”intelligent drug validity management system in outpatient pharmacy / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To build an “integration of drug storage and dispensing” intelligent drug validity management system in outpatient pharmacy， and to evaluate the effect of this system. METHODS The information technology was used to connect the drug information in the primary storage， the intelligent secondary storage and the rapid dispensing machine； an “integration of drug storage and dispensing” intelligent drug validity management system was constructed. At the same time， the implementation effects of drug validity management system in outpatient pharmacy of our hospital were evaluated one year before and after the construction of the system. RESULTS By using information technology， intelligent closed-loop management of batch number and expiration date information throughout the entire process of drug circulation in outpatient pharmacy of our hospital had been achieved， making it easy to track and trace drug information. After the establishment of the intelligent system， the time spent on managing drug validity every month was reduced from 103 people·h to 8 people·h； the number of near-expired drugs per month had decreased from （30.67±1.10）types to （17.67±1.17）types（P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The intelligent drug validity management system in outpatient pharmacy based on the mode of “integration of drug storage and dispensing” makes the drug validity management in the outpatient pharmacy more scientific， reasonable and efficient.

Factores de riesgo asociados al almacenamiento excesivo de medicamentos en una zona urbana de méxico

Objetivo: Describir los factores de riesgo vinculados al almacenamiento excesivo de medicamentos en hogares urbanos de una región en México. Material y Método: Utilizando una encuesta virtual, se recopilaron datos sociodemográficos de los miembros del hogar y detalles sobre los medicamentos almacenados. Los datos se analizaron mediante medidas de tendencia central, dispersión y pruebas de Odds Ratio y Chi cuadrado para analizar asociaciones significativas entre variables. Resultados: De un total de 300 hogares encuestados, el 20% tenían niños menores de cinco años, el 25,3% tenían adultos mayores y el 78,5% disponían de seguridad social. Además, se observó una mayor prevalencia de analgésicos (99%), antiinflamatorios (92%) y antipiréticos (89%) en comparación con otros grupos de medicamentos. La mayoría de las familias optaba por contenedores de plástico para almacenar los fármacos. El 51% informó poseer medicamentos caducados en sus hogares, pese a que todos los encuestados hayan afirmado seguir buenas prácticas en relación con el almacenamiento. Conclusión: Se determina que los adultos mayores, la seguridad social y la presencia de enfermedades crónicas son factores de riesgo significativos para el almacenamiento excesivo, siendo la acumulación de medicamentos caducados, una consecuencia de tal fenómeno.

Objective: To describe the risk factors associated with excessive medication storage in urban households in a region of Mexico. Materials and Methods: A virtual survey was used to collect sociodemographic data of household members and details concerning stored medications. Data were analyzed using measures of central tendency, dispersion, and odds Ratio and Chi-square tests to explore significant associations between variables. Results: Of the 300 surveyed households, 20% had children under the age of five, 25.3% had elderly adults, and 78.5% had social security coverage. In addition, a higher prevalence of analgesics (99%), anti-inflammatories (92%), and antipyretics (89%) was observed compared to other medication categories. Plastic containers were the preferred choice of most families for storing medication. 51% percent reported having expired medications at home, despite all respondents claiming to adhere to proper storage practices. Conclusion: It was determined that elderly people, social security coverage, and the presence of chronic illnesses are significant risk factors for excessive storage, with the accumulation of expired medications being a consequence of this phenomenon.

Objetivo: Descrever os fatores de risco associados ao armazenamento excessivo de medicamentos em domicílios urbanos de uma região do México. Material e Método: Utilizando uma pesquisa virtual, foram coletados dados sociodemográficos dos membros da família e detalhes sobre os medicamentos armazenados. Os dados foram analisados por meio de medidas de tendência central, dispersão e testes de Odds Ratio e Qui-quadrado para explorar associações significativas entre variáveis. Resultados: De um total de 300 domicílios pesquisados, 20% tinham crianças menores de cinco anos, 25,3% tinham adultos idosos e 78,5% possuíam cobertura de seguridade social. Além disso, foi observada uma maior prevalência de analgésicos (99%), anti-inflamatórios (92%) e antipiréticos (89%) em comparação com outras categorias de medicamentos. A maioria das famílias preferia recipientes de plástico para o armazenamento dos medicamentos. 51% relataram possuir medicamentos vencidos em casa, apesar de todos os entrevistados afirmarem aderir às práticas adequadas de armazenamento. Conclusão: Estabelece-se que adultos idosos, cobertura de seguridade social e a presença de doenças crônicas são fatores de risco significativos para o armazenamento excessivo, sendo o acúmulo de medicamentos vencidos uma consequência desse fenômeno.

Análisis del desecho de medicamentos en Costa Rica durante el 2019, un paso hacia la ecofarmacovigilancia / Analysis of drug waste in Costa Rica during 2019, a step towards Ecopharmacovigilance / Análise de resíduos de drogas na Costa Rica em 2019, um passo em direção à ecofarmacovigilância

RESUMEN Introducción: Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud, el desecho de medicamentos es la eliminación de todos aquellos productos farmacéuticos que han expirado, derramado o contaminado y medicamentos que no son de utilidad y necesitan disponerse de forma adecuada. Objetivo: Caracterizar los medicamentos desechados en Costa Rica durante el 2019, con el sistema de recolección de una empresa de recolección de medicamentos en desuso. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo-analítico y de corte transversal. El estudio se desarrolló en las instalaciones de la empresa MPD en Curridabat, San José, donde se almacenan los contenedores de la empresa. Los datos obtenidos se depositaron en una base de datos elaborada en Excel 2016. Resultados: En su mayoría los medicamentos encontrados vencidos eran de uso humano, especialmente para adultos, la forma farmacéutica más común fue la enteral, procedentes de los sectores privado y público. Existe una relación significativa entre la condición de los medicamentos y su origen, así como entre el origen y la forma farmacéutica. No existe relación significativa entre la forma farmacéutica de los medicamentos y la condición de estos, tampoco entre la nacionalidad y la condición. Conclusiones: La condición de desuso fue la que más prevaleció dentro de los medicamentos desechados. El principio activo más desechado fue el paracetamol y el principal grupo farmacológico encontrado en los productos desechados fue el de los analgésicos.

SUMMARY Introduction: According to the World Health Organization, the disposal of medicines is the elimination of all those pharmaceutical products that have expired, spilled, or contaminated and medicines that are not useful and need to be disposed of properly. Objective: To characterize the medicines discarded in Costa Rica during 2019, with the collection system of a company that collects disused medicines. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive-analytical, and cross-sectional study was carried out. The study was carried out at the facilities of the MPD Company in Curridabat, San José, where the company's containers are stored. The data obtained was deposited in a database elaborated in Excel 2016. Results: Most of the expired drugs were for human use, especially for adults, the most common pharmaceutical form was enteral, from the private and national sectors. There is a significant relationship between the condition of the drugs and their origin, as well as between the origin and the pharmaceutical form. There is no significant relationship between the pharmaceutical form of the drugs and their condition, nor between nationality and condition. Conclusions: The condition of disuse was the most prevalent among the discarded drugs. The most discarded active principle was paracetamol and the main pharmacological group found in discarded products was analgesics.

RESUMO Introdução: De acordo com a Organização Mundial da Saúde, o descarte de medicamentos é a eliminação de todos os produtos farmacêuticos vencidos, derramados ou contaminados e os medicamentos que não são úteis e precisam ser descartados de maneira adequada. Objetivo: Caracterizar os medicamentos descartados na Costa Rica durante o 2019, com o sistema de coleta de uma empresa que coleta medica mentos fora de uso. Materiais e métodos: foi realizado um estudo observacional, descritivo-analítico e transversal. O estudo foi realizado nas instalações da empresa MPD em Curridabat, San José, onde estão armazenados os contentores da empresa. Os dados obtidos foram depositados em banco de dados elaborado no Excel 2016. Resultados: A maioria dos medicamentos vencidos era para uso humano, principalmente para adultos, a forma farmacêutica mais comum foi a enteral, do setor privado e nacional. Existe uma relação significativa entre o estado dos medicamentos e sua origem, bem como entre a origem e a forma farmacêutica. Não existe relação significativa entre a forma farmacêutica dos medicamentos e o seu estado de saúde, nem entre a nacionalidade e o estado de saúde. Conclusões: A condição de desuso foi a mais prevalente entre os medicamentos descartados. O princípio ativo mais descartado foi o paracetamol e o principal grupo farmacológico encontrado nos produtos descartados foram os analgésicos.

Cigarette Beetles (Lasioderma Serricorne) Occurring in Plantago Seed / 日本東洋医学雑誌

In the pharmaceutical department of Iizuka Hospital, larvae of the cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne) were found in Plantago seed for the first time since the Department of Japanese Kampo Medicine started in 1992. The larvae grew into pupae and then adults. The plastic-packaged Plantago seed was left for about 3 months, during which several larvae and adult cigarette beetles appeared. Cigarette beetles are very common insects in summer and it is important that we store crude drugs in hard closed containers in our refrigerators. The larvae can bite strongly and puncture plastic packaging, however they cannot live under 15 ℃. Education of crude drug storage for patients is very important.

Investigation of Drug Storage Conditions of Sodium Valproate Granules Maintained by Pediatric Patients / 医薬品情報学

Objective: Sodium valproate granules (VPA granules) are extremely hygroscopic, deliquesce slowly in the air, and aggregate depending on temperature and humidity conditions. Although pharmacists are required to maintain drug storage conditions until the time of dispensing, they cannot keep track of the actual storage conditions maintained by the patients thereafter. Therefore, we investigated the actual temperature and humidity of the storage conditions maintained by the patients after delivery of the VPA granules.Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study at Kameda Medical Center on pediatric outpatients who were prescribed VPA granules from July 5, 2018 to February 20, 2019. A portable data logger capable of measuring temperature and humidity for 24 h was delivered at the time of dispensation. At the following visit, the data logger was collected, and data about temperature and humidity were obtained. We defined the suitable temperature as 1.0-30.0℃ and suitable humidity as 75.0% or less.Results: In this study, 13 patients were included. In total, 18 data loggers were distributed, and the return rate was 100.0%. The storage temperature was outside the suitable range in 0.8% of the total observation time whereas the humidity exceeded 75.0% in 1.7% of the total observation time.Conclusion: Storage of medications after dispensation was evaluated, and certain temperature and humidity deviations were observed. As storing a drug in an inappropriate environment changes the nature of the drug, affecting its efficacy and safety, it is necessary to educate patients on the proper methods to store oral medications.

Medicamentos sobrantes y caducados en el hogar ¿su almacenaje y desecho representan un problema de salud pública? / Leftover and expired medicines in households: Is their storage and disposal a public health problem?

RESUMEN Los medicamentos sobrantes y caducados en el hogar deberían ser eliminados de una manera que garantice la seguridad de la población, y que tenga un impacto negativo mínimo en el medio ambiente. Desde esta perspectiva se desarrolló el presente estudio cuyo objetivo fue conocer las prácticas de desecho de medicamentos del botiquín familiar en estudiantes de medicina en Quito-Ecuador. Entre diciembre de 2018 y enero de 2019, se encuestaron 498 estudiantes de diferentes semestres, y se evidenció que hasta un 30,3% de estudiantes alguna vez desechó los medicamentos a través del inodoro, y un 7,2% reconoció que sacaba los medicamentos del empaque primario, para depositarlos en la basura común. Como objetivo secundario se analizaron los medicamentos caducados y sobrantes del botiquín familiar de los encuestados. Se encontró que los medicamentos más frecuentes fueron metformina, seguido por acetaminofén, espironolactona e ibuprofeno. El estudio muestra la necesidad de desarrollar estrategias multisectoriales para la implementación de políticas sobre el desecho doméstico, las cuales permitirán controlar, y en el mejor de los casos, disminuir el impacto negativo tanto ambiental como en salud pública.

ABSTRACT: Leftover and expired medicines in households must be disposed of in such a way as to ensure the population's safety, while generating the lowest possible negative impact on the environment. In this context, the aim of this study was to explore drug disposal practices related to home medicine cabinets among medical students in Quito, Ecuador. Between December 2018 and January 2019, 498 students from different semesters were surveyed. Data show that up to 30.3% of students had flushed their medicines down the toilet at least once, while 7.2% acknowledged that they had removed the medicines from their packaging to deposit them in a household garbage disposal. A secondary aim of the study was to analyze expired and leftover drugs in participants' medicine cabinets. Metformin was the most common medication found, followed by acetaminophen, spironolactone, and ibuprofen. This study shows the urgent need to develop multisectoral strategies for the implementation of policies on pharmaceutical domestic waste, which will make it possible to control and reduce the negative impact on both the environment and public health.

Prevalência e fatores associados à presença de medicamentos vencidos em estoques caseiros / Prevalence and factors associated to the presence of expired medications in households

Resumo Introdução Medicamentos vencidos em farmácias caseiras são potenciais agentes causadores de danos à saúde humana e ao meio ambiente. Neste sentido, são essenciais estudos que subsidiem políticas de intervenção para minimização dos riscos. Objetivo Estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados aos medicamentos vencidos em estoques caseiros. Método O estudo transversal foi realizado por meio de entrevistas nas residências dos usuários da atenção primária à saúde (APS) de uma cidade do centro-oeste mineiro, Brasil. As estimativas de prevalência e suas associações foram realizadas por meio de modelos lineares generalizados (MLGs). Resultados Nos 423 estoques caseiros, foram encontrados 4.203 medicamentos, com uma média de 10 medicamentos/residência (DP = 5,87). A prevalência de residências com medicamentos vencidos foi de 45,4%, sendo os antimicrobianos e analgésicos os mais prevalentes. A presença de medicamentos vencidos está associada à presença de medicamentos isentos de prescrição (MIPs) e antimicrobianos nas residências e ao comportamento de guardar o medicamento em desuso em seu estoque caseiro. Conclusão Aproximadamente metade das residências possui medicamentos vencidos, e a presença deles está associada à classe terapêutica e ao comportamento do usuário.

Abstract Background The storage of expired medications at home can cause potential damage to human health and the environment. Thus, studies that support intervention policies to minimize risks are essential. Objective To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with storage of expired medications at home. Method The cross-sectional study was conducted through interviews in the homes of Primary Health Care (PHC) users of a city in the center-west of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Prevalence estimates and their associations were performed using generalized linear models (MLGs). Results We found 4,203 medications stored in 423 homes, with an average of 10 medication/residence (SD=5.87). The prevalence of homes with expired medications was 45.4%, with antimicrobials and analgesics being the most prevalent. The presence of expired medications is associated with the presence of Over the Counter drugs (OTC) and antimicrobials at homes, and the behavior of keeping the unused drug in their home pharmacy. Conclusion Almost half of the homes have expired medications. And the presence of these drugs is associated with the therapeutic class and the behavior of the PHC user.

Desenvolvimento, validação e utilização de material educativo sobre armazenamento correto de medicamentos / Development, validation and use of educational material on the correct storage of medicine

Estudo metodológico de construção de material educativo impresso (MEI) sobre armazenamento correto de medicamentos nos domicílios e validação por 50 usuários dos serviços de saúde e 52 juízes ­ profissionais da área de saúde. O MEI aborda a maneira correta de armazenar medicamentos, riscos de degradação, ineficiência e intoxicação acidental. A validação de conteúdo foi estabelecida a partir do Level Content Validity Index (CVI) maior que 0,8 para juízes, os quais avaliaram a relevância de informações, clareza, compreensão de texto e ilustrações e aplicabilidade do material. Os usuários analisaram o MEI quanto aos parâmetros de aparência, motivação, conteúdo e organização escrita. Todos os itens foram considerados relevantes pelos avaliadores e o CVI-médio entre juízes foi de 0,96, e entre os usuários, de 0,94. O MEI validado foi utilizado em ações de promoção da saúde apresentando-se como uma ferramenta altamente relevante, técnica e acessível para conscientização sobre o armazenamento correto de medicamentos.

Current methodological study analyzes the construction of printed educational material (PEM) on the correct storage of medicine at home and its validation by 50 users of health service and 52 health professionals/judges. PEM deals with the correct storage of medicine, gradation risks, inefficaciousness and accidental intoxication. Validation of contents was established by Level Content Validity Index (CVI) higher than 0.8 for health professionals/judges who evaluated relevance of data, clarity, text comprehension and illustrations and applicability of the matter. Users analyzed PEM with regard to the parameters appearance, motivation, contents and written organization. All items were considered to be relevant by the evaluators, with mean CVI at 0.96 and 0.94 among health professionals/judges and users respectively. Validated PEM was employed in activities for health promotion as a highly relevant, technical and accessible tool for conscience-awareness on the correct storage of medicines.

A Case for Expanding Thermochromic Vial Monitor Technology to Insulin and Other Biologics

Insulin quality and efficacy determine glycemic control, which determines quality of life for people with diabetes. Insulin efficacy is reducedby heat exposure, especially in tropical climates, remote areas, and with improper handling. Insulin doses can be adjusted based on bloodglucose monitoring, which may compensate for lack of viability. However, a measured response may be difficult with otherbiopharmaceuticals. Thermochromic vial monitor technology developed for oral polio vaccines (vaccine vial monitors) is an inexpensive,easily available, visible modality which can be used for insulin and other biopharmaceuticals to detect excessive heat exposure and thusreduced potency at any point in the cold-chain, till the end-users, thus improving patient care. Regulatory authorities must urgently considerthe need to impose mandatory use of this technology for all biopharmaceuticals, including insulin, to ensure efficacy till end usage.

Storage and disposal of expired medicines in home pharmacies: emerging public health problems / Armazenamento e descarte dos medicamentos vencidos em farmácias caseiras: problemas emergentes para a saúde pública

ABSTRACT Objective To characterize storage and disposal practices associated with expired medicines in home pharmacies of Primary Care users. Methods Cross-sectional study based on data collected from 423 users of 15 Primary Care units located in a Brazilian city, between August 2014 and July 2016. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews. Categorical (demographic and socioeconomic characteristics) and continuous variables were expressed as proportions and means and standard deviations, respectively . Storage behaviors and disposal practices associated with unused and expired medicines were described as frequencies. Results Most (83%) interviewees were female and approximately 70% had completed high school. The kitchen was the most common medicine storage place (58.6%). Approximately 75% of participants reported inappropriate medicine disposal practices. Conclusion This study revealed high rates of inappropriate medicine disposal practices with direct impacts on pharmacological treatment and the environment. Continuing education of healthcare professionals and the general public is required to raise awareness about proper medicine use and disposal.

RESUMO Objetivo Caracterizar o armazenamento e o descarte de medicamentos vencidos contidos em farmácias caseiras de usuários da Atenção Primária à Saúde. Métodos Estudo transversal, realizado com 423 usuários de 15 unidades de saúde da Atenção Primária em um município brasileiro. Os dados foram coletados de agosto de 2014 a julho de 2016, por meio de entrevistas face a face. As características demográficas e socioeconômicas foram descritas por meio de proporções para as variáveis categóricas. As formas de armazenamento e o descarte de medicamentos vencidos ou não vencidos foram descritos em forma de frequência. Resultados Dentre os entrevistados, 83% eram do sexo feminino e aproximadamente 70% possuíam Ensino Médio completo. A cozinha foi o local mais citado para armazenamento de medicamentos (58,6%). Cerca de 75% dos participantes relataram descartar os medicamentos de forma incorreta. Conclusão O estudo evidenciou que grande proporção dos entrevistados possui hábitos incorretos de descarte, que, por sua vez, impactam diretamente no tratamento medicamentoso e na natureza. Assim, é necessária a educação continuada dos profissionais de saúde e da população, a fim de conscientizar a população sobre a correta utilização e o descarte de medicamentos.

Estoque doméstico e uso de medicamentos por crianças no Vale do Jequitinhonha, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Domestic stock and use of medicines by children in the Jequitinhonha Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil

RESUMO Avaliaram-se o estoque doméstico e o uso de medicamentos por crianças e adolescentes de 20 municípios do Vale do Jequitinhonha (MG) por meio de estudo tipo inquérito populacional domiciliar. Realizaram-se análise descritiva e testes de associação. Dos 1.237 medicamentos encontrados, 27% estavam em locais de fácil acesso. Não houve associação entre profissões ligadas à área da saúde dos responsáveis com o uso. O grau de instrução ≤ a 4 anos de estudo aparece como de maior risco. As medicações prevalentes foram analgésicos/antipiréticos, antagonista H1 da histamina e antibióticos. Os dados mostram alta prevalência de estoque domiciliar com riscos para crianças, sendo necessárias ações educativas na região.

ABSTRACT The domestic stock and the drug use by children and adolescents from 20 municipalities of the Vale do Jequitinhonha (MG) were evaluated by means of a population-based domestic survey. Descriptive analysis and association tests were performed. Of the 1.237 drugs found, 27% were in easily accessible places. There was no association between the professions related to the health area of the responsible for the use. The instruction degree ≤ 4 years of study appears to be at higher risk. The prevalent drugs were analgesic/antipyretic, histamine H1 antagonist and antibiotics. The data show a high prevalence of domestic stock with risks for children, and educational actions are required in the region.

Continuous Optimization of Drug Storage Position Management in Automatic Dispensing Machine by Or-bital Utilization Rate Algorithm / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To optimize the drug storage position management in automatic dispensing machine,and improve the dispensing efficiency. METHODS:The orbital utilization rate of drugs in automatic dispensing machine was calculated,the opti-mum value of orbital utilization rate was set up to adjust the drug varieties and numbers of storage tracks for continually optimizing the storage position management. Dispensing rates of automatic dispensing machines and real-time dispensing windows with fully automated deployment before (Mar.-Jun. 2016) and after (Jul.-Oct. 2016) optimization were statistically analyzed and compared. RESULTS:The optimum value of orbital utilization rate was set up as 67%. Drugs more than the value were increased the num-bers of storage tracks,while drugs less than the value was decreased the numbers of storage tracks or removed out of dispensing machines. From Mar. to Oct. 2016,2 dispensing machines in our hospital adjusted 75 varieties and 127 orbits in total,storage num-bers was increased by 158 boxes. Compared with before optimization (Mar.),dispensing rate of automatic dispensing machines was increased from 73.7% to 81.3% after optimization(Oct.),dispensing rate of real-time dispensing window was increased from 39.8% to 51.8%(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Applying the orbital utilization rate algorithm for adjusting drug variety and track number in machine can effectively and continually optimize the drug storage position,increase the storage capacity in machine, make full use of automatic equipments and improve the dispensing efficiency.

Survey on Drug Storage and Medication Habits of the Empty-nest Elderly from 2 New and Old Communities of Shanghai / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To provide reference for better carrying out safe medication intervention for the empty-nest elderly.METHODS:Two communities with different levels of income and culture were collected from Pudong New District of Shanghai,i.e.new community A and traditional community B.By cluster sampling,69 and 110 empty-nest elderly were selected as respondents respectively.The questionnaire survey about drug storage and medication habits of the elderly was conducted.The data of the survey were analyzed statistically.RESULTS:A total of 69 and 110 questionnaires were sent out,and 44 and 63 questionnaires were recovered with effective recovery rate of 63.8％ and 57.3％,respectively.The rate of drug storage in families from traditional community B was higher than new community A (100％ vs.88.6％,P=0.010).The proportions of residents in two communities storing their drugs in special drawers were the highest (59.0％ and 57.1％).Nearly half of the surveyed households in 2 communities did not form the habit of regularly clearing stored drugs.The frequency of residents who cleared stored drugs in traditional community B was higher than those in new community A (P=0.009).Nearly more than 70％ of the residents threw their expired drugs to garbage and only 11％ to drug stores or community health service center.The proportion of residents who were used to reading drug instructions in new community A was higher than traditional community B (95.5％ vs.77.8％,P=0.024).The proportion of the residents consulted community doctors when they were puzzled by drug use in new community A was lower than traditional community B (56.8％ vs.76.2％);The proportion of the residents consulted physicians in major hospitals was higher than traditional community B (34.1％ vs.9.5 ％);there was statistical significance (P=0.034).The most popular health service for the residents in the new community A was the hotline for the drug use (65.9％),while the residents in traditional community B needed blood pressure and sugar monitoring service and set up the health records (41.3％).The proportion of the residents' following demands in new community A was higher than traditional community B:opening drug use hotline,publicizing the knowledge of diseases and medication and conducting lectures (P＜0.001,P=0.006,P=0.018).CONCLUSIONS:The proportion of drug storage in empty-nest families of two communities is in very high level,but drug storage methods,cleaning frequency are not satisfactory.There are still a small number of elderly people who do not have the habit of reading drug instructions.There are some differences between the old and new communities.At the same time,the needs of health services in new and old communities are different.

Continuous Optimization of Drug Storage Position Management in Automatic Dispensing Machine by Or-bital Utilization Rate Algorithm / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To optimize the drug storage position management in automatic dispensing machine,and improve the dispensing efficiency. METHODS:The orbital utilization rate of drugs in automatic dispensing machine was calculated,the opti-mum value of orbital utilization rate was set up to adjust the drug varieties and numbers of storage tracks for continually optimizing the storage position management. Dispensing rates of automatic dispensing machines and real-time dispensing windows with fully automated deployment before (Mar.-Jun. 2016) and after (Jul.-Oct. 2016) optimization were statistically analyzed and compared. RESULTS:The optimum value of orbital utilization rate was set up as 67%. Drugs more than the value were increased the num-bers of storage tracks,while drugs less than the value was decreased the numbers of storage tracks or removed out of dispensing machines. From Mar. to Oct. 2016,2 dispensing machines in our hospital adjusted 75 varieties and 127 orbits in total,storage num-bers was increased by 158 boxes. Compared with before optimization (Mar.),dispensing rate of automatic dispensing machines was increased from 73.7% to 81.3% after optimization(Oct.),dispensing rate of real-time dispensing window was increased from 39.8% to 51.8%(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Applying the orbital utilization rate algorithm for adjusting drug variety and track number in machine can effectively and continually optimize the drug storage position,increase the storage capacity in machine, make full use of automatic equipments and improve the dispensing efficiency.

Establishment and Application of Drug Cold Chain Monitoring Platform in Our Hospital / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To guarantee the reliability of cold chain drug storage device and the quality of the drugs in the hospi-tal. METHODS:The establishment and effects of drug cold chain monitoring platform in our hospital were introduced as well as re-lated improvement and measures. RESULTS:The cold chain monitoring platform was established in our hospital through equipping with related equipment, constructing platform network, determining monitoring point, setting early warning condition, etc. All-weather and real-time monitoring of temperature and humidity were realized for different districts of the hospital and different cold chain equipments. The platform could provide the information about operating condition of equipment,and complete drug re-frigeration temperature record;equipment failure could be dissolved in time based on early warning message. Through analyzing rea-sons of early warning message,the unqualified equipment was updated in time,which further improve the system and procedure of cold chain monitoring platform. Within 2 years after the implementation of the platform,53 sets of special refrigerator for drug were updated. Monthly early warning message and the rate of refrigeration equipment early warning decreased from 6869 and 100% in Sept. 2014 at the early stage of short message warning function to 1083 and 40% in Feb. 2016,respectively. CONCLU-SIONS:The establishment of drug cold chain monitoring platform guarantees the reliability of cold drug storage condition so as to ensure the quality of drug in the hospital.

Technical issues and conservation conditions of medicines in the primary health care of the Brazilian Unified Health System / Situação sanitária dos medicamentos na atenção básica no Sistema Único de Saúde

OBJECTIVE To characterize the technical issues and conditions of medicines conservation in Primary Health Care of Brazilian regions, responsible for pharmacy/dispensing unit profile; environmental, storage, and dose fractioning conditions; inventory control and waste management; fire and electrical failure safety items; transportation problems; advertising regulation; and pharmacovigilance. METHODS This article is part of the Pesquisa Nacional sobre Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos - Serviços (National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines - Services)-, a cross-sectional and exploratory study, of evaluative nature, consisting of an information survey within a representative sample of municipalities, stratified by Brazilian regions, which constitute the study domains, and a sample of Primary Health Care services. Pharmaceutical services (PS) were directly observed with photographic record and face-to-face interviews with those responsible for the dispensing of medicines and over the telephone with those responsible for pharmaceutical services. Data were processed with the SPSS® software version 21. RESULTS The investigated dimensions showed relevant deficiencies and inequalities between the regions, generally more favorable in the Southeast and Midwest regions and weaker in the Northeast and North regions. We verified non-compliance with technical requirements and conditions essential to the conservation of medicines, which may interfere with the maintenance of stability and, thus, on their quality, efficacy, and safety. The regulation of advertising/promotion of medicines is still incipient and there is some progress in the structuring of mechanisms regarding pharmacovigilance. CONCLUSIONS The sanitary situation of medicines in Brazilian Primary Health Care is alarming due to the violation of the specific sanitary legislation for dispensing establishments and due to a wide range of requirements essential to the conservation of medicines. We observed a disconnection between the efforts made in the Brazilian Unified Health System to promote access to medicines for all population and the organization and qualification of pharmaceutical services.

OBJETIVO Caracterizar a situação sanitária dos medicamentos na Atenção Básica, nas regiões brasileiras, quanto a requisitos técnico-sanitários, responsável pela farmácia/unidade de dispensação, condições ambientais, de armazenamento, e de fracionamento, controle de estoque e gerenciamento de resíduos, itens de segurança contra incêndio e pane elétrica, problemas no transporte, regulamentação da propaganda e farmacovigilância. MÉTODOS Artigo integrante da Pesquisa Nacional sobre Acesso, Utilização e Promoção do Uso Racional de Medicamentos - Serviços, um estudo transversal, exploratório, de natureza avaliativa, composto por um levantamento de informações numa amostra representativa de municípios, estratificada pelas regiões brasileiras, que constituem domínios do Estudo, e uma amostra de serviços de Atenção Básica. Realizou-se observação direta dos serviços farmacêuticos com registro fotográfico e entrevistas presenciais com os responsáveis pela entrega de medicamentos e por telefone com o responsável pela assistência farmacêutica. Os dados foram processados com o software SPSS® versão 21. RESULTADOS As dimensões investigadas mostraram deficiências relevantes e desigualdades entre as regiões, em geral mais favoráveis nas regiões Sudeste e Centro-Oeste e mais deficitárias nas regiões Nordeste e Norte. Constatou-se descumprimento de requisitos técnicos e sanitários imprescindíveis à conservação dos medicamentos que podem interferir na manutenção da estabilidade e, assim, na sua qualidade, eficácia e segurança. A regulação da propaganda/promoção de medicamentos ainda é incipiente e existe algum avanço na estruturação de mecanismos em relação à farmacovigilância. CONCLUSÕES A situação sanitária dos medicamentos na Atenção Básica no Brasil desperta preocupações pelo descumprimento da legislação sanitária específica para os estabelecimentos de dispensação e de um amplo conjunto de requisitos imprescindíveis à conservação dos medicamentos. Constatou-se um descompasso entre os esforços no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde para promover o acesso aos medicamentos para toda a população e a organização e qualificação dos serviços farmacêuticos.