Rational use of therapeutic drugs in the Caribbean

ABSTRACT

The concept of "Rational drug use" means the selection of the most appropriate and cost effective drugs, carefully prescribed, with an understanding of patient education needs and compliance problems. Caribbean experience and recent Drug Utilisation Review (DUR) studies indicate that drug use for common problems like hypertension, diabetes and arthritis could be greatly improved. Applying the principles of rational drug use can save money, improve treatment and bring effective drugs to more of our populations. Emphasis must be on education rather than regulation, which leads to other adverse consequences. Skilled professionals and National Drug and Therapeutics Committees are essential, to steer a rational path between the pressures of the drug industry and the realities of economies in crisis (AU)