Don’t argue with pharmacists on need for prescriptions

In April this year, the video of a woman in Cebu trying to purchase the prescription medicine, irbesartan, went viral and caused a stir among netizens and the health-care world. Unlike over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like paracetamol, irbesartan, a blood pressure medicine, is prescribed by a physician after diagnosing a patient’s condition. A prescription helps ensure that the right medication is used by the specific person for a specific problem.

Despite the pharmacist explaining that a medicine with “Rx” label must secure a prescription first, the patient persisted in quizzing and filming the pharmacist without his consent.

Pharmacists, as health professionals legally qualified to dispense medicines, have equal duty as doctors in promoting safe and proper use of medicines. Certain medications can interact with each other, leading to harmful effects. They can also have an interaction with food, vitamins, herbs, and even alcohol. A prescription helps in identifying potential drug interactions that can result in serious consequences and cancel drug effectiveness. That is why it is crucial for a patient to listen to a pharmacist.

In the case of irbesartan, there are studies that show its interaction with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Ibuprofen and naproxen are available OTC (depending on the dosage strength) for pain and inflammation and are popular among Filipinos. If given easy access, the combination of irbesartan and NSAIDs can increase the risk of kidney damage, especially for senior citizens and those who have kidney problems. In addition, irbesartan has a warning for pregnant women. This drug may harm the fetus or end the pregnancy so it is not recommended for pregnant women. Hence, without a health professional’s guidance and with patients being stubborn and prone to self-medicate, colossal problems could ensue.

When pharmacists ask for a prescription, they are able to promote patient safety. Having a prescription ensures that patients are properly informed about the medicine, how to take it, and its potential unwanted effects. This also reduces the risk of medication errors and empowers patients to take an active role in managing their health. Additionally, this can help patients save money that would otherwise be spent on costs related to medication mismanagement, such as hospitalization and the development of another illness.

Prescriptions also serve as a tool to encourage patients to seek medical consultation. Prescription drugs often require monitoring of the patient’s response and potential adverse effects. A doctor can adjust treatment as needed based on the patient’s progress. By getting a prescription, patients are more likely to engage with health-care providers, leading to continuity of care and better overall health outcomes. Prescriptions can also create a system of accountability by ensuring that medications are prescribed and dispensed responsibly, and in accordance with clinical and legal guidelines.

In addition, some medications have the potential for misuse or addiction, especially controlled substances. These include painkillers such as morphine and sedative-hypnotics like diazepam (better known as Valium). They are strictly regulated to prevent misuse, abuse, and diversion. Requiring a prescription helps in monitoring them and ensuring their proper use and safety.

What’s more, the need for prescription also helps in battling the global threat of antibiotic resistance. The general public should know that it is wrong to self-medicate with antibiotics, and that it is important to take the appropriate dose and complete the course of antibiotic therapy even though they already feel better. A prescription can ensure that antibiotics are only used when required, thereby conserving the effectiveness of these medicines.

Teresa May Bandiola,
bandiolateresamayb@gmail.com