A survey of drug-related-problems among patients treated for allergy symptoms in community pharmacies at Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Objectives: Patients treated for allergy symptoms are at risk of acquiring drug-related problems (DRPs), as they require various types and forms of medications. Inappropriate therapeutic management of allergy symptoms could lead to the complication of diseases such as asthma and diabetes. To date, DRPs among patients treated for allergy symptoms have not been well established in Malaysia especially in community pharmacies setting. The main objective of this study is to identify factors and medications associated with DRPs among patients treated for allergy symptoms in community pharmacies. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in community pharmacies in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia from June 2011 to April 2012. The Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe Classification Version (PCNE) 6.2 was used as a tool to classify DRPs. Results: A total of 378 patients were recruited according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 792DRPs were found; an average of 1.97 (SD = 1.6) DRP per patient. Significant DRP association (p<0.05) was detected from the usage of corticosteroids and antihistamines. Meanwhile, poly pharmacy and forgetfulness were factors significantly associated (p<0.05) as causes of DRPs. Conclusion: There is a high occurrence of DRPs among patients who are treated for allergy symptoms. Identifying types and causes of DRPs in a community pharmacy would facilitate medication safety awareness among healthcare providers and patients.