Awareness on use of drugs

CHENNAI: Several programmes are lined up in the city to raise awareness about the proper usage of drugs in a pharmacy during the National Pharmacy Week that will be observed between November 19 and 26. The week will kickstart with a rally on November 19 that will start at 9am from the Marina Beach near the Labour Statue. The rally calls on all those responsible for pharmacy care to understand the storage, handling and safe use of drugs. The public will be educated about followingthe correct course of the treatment during the week-long programmes. Pharmacy is one profession, which is not affected by the economic recession. A pharmacist must strive to help the medical professional to treat and combat dreadful diseases like the swine flu, chikungunya and dengue. Through academic offerings and service activities, the public will be enormously benefitted. Above all, the public will build a stronger knowledge about modern medicines.For people with any disease, this is a message about empowerment through education. This programme is an opportunity for pharmacists and staff to take part in providing knowledge to the public. Pharmacists have always remained in the background, but their drug therapy management services are just starting to get recognition. The education provided by pharmacists gives patients the information required to store and handle drugs, effectively.  Drugs should be strictly used according to medical prescription. A healthy respect for these medications and one’s own body, coupled with the judicious usage of these drugs, is essential for long-term benefits.Patients suffering from diseases like tuberculosis and diabetes are likely to discontinue drug treatment once their condition becomes normal. The morbidity and mortality increases due to this improper use of drugs. Due to discontinuation of medicines such as antibiotics, the resistance of micro organism to the drugs is increased. When a patient requires treatment on the next occasion, he /she has to depend on anitibiotics of higher dosage. This leads to increased toxicity and cost.