Estrogens + patient package insert = confused patients.

ABSTRACT

A brief review of the patient package inserts concept and estrogen pharmacology is presented. Then the need for patient education is discussed along with recommendations for a team approach to managing patient anxiety by helping patients understand the estrogen-containing products they are using.

ABSTRACT

PIP This article takes issue with the physicians' handling of patient inserts in estrogen-containing medications when presenting such medication to a patient in need. This discussion follows a brief review of the rationale of the Food and Drug Administration of using package inserts and a review of estrogen uses, adverse reactions, cautions, and side effects. The author argues for a more cooperative approach to patient package inserts, which would require direct participation by the physician rather than simple passive reading by the patient. A questionnaire survey on patients' attitudes, knowledge, views, and sources of drug information on oral contraceptives, with particular attention to the role of the patient-oriented package insert, concluded that professional sources (physician, nurse, or pharmacist) were preferred over nonprofessional and media sources. A collaborative approach to drug education is recommended, and suggestions for implementation are set forth.