Abstract
Obesity is a chronic disease typical for its high prevalence. Easy availability of pharmaceutical care allows pharmacies to be the first place of capture or intervention for patients who are overweight or obese.
The aim of study was to analyse the role of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in securing of safety of self-medication with orlistat. Methods: In this prospective observational study patients were people who visited Hospital pharmacy IKEM for self-medication with orlistat over a period of May - December 2009.
The data were collected by trained pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in dispensing of over-the-counter (OTC) orlistat through interview with patient. The interview was designed by fixed questions.
The results were analysed using frequency analysis, GLMz and the chi-square test with level of significance of p 28). 58 % patients were fully indicated for self-medication with orlistat. Self-medication with orlistat was recommended to 48 % patients and was refused to 22 % patients because of contraindications. 24 % patients had at least one interaction with orlistat and chronic drugs.
Health problems were the most common motivation for weight reduction. Conclusion: Data obtained in this study demonstrate the important role of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in assessment of suitability of self-medication with OTC orlistat and safe weight reduction within self-medication.