Intro to self med/ minor ailment

Question 1

Explain the illness pyramid (whats on top/ bottom)

Answer 1

The pyramid represents health care

At the bottom which is the large base is minor ailments which are usually treated within the formal health care system

Goes from bottom to top: Minor care-> pharmacists->hospital

Question 2

is the top of the illness pyramid more expensive

Answer 2

The bottom of the pyramid is more common but cheaper while the top (hospital care) is less common but more expensive

Question 3

Self care

Answer 3

is the majority of behaviors in medicine to keep you healthy such as good diet, exercise, hygiene

Question 4

Self Medication

Answer 4

much smaller then self care and using the knowledge you know to use meds such as tylenol for a headache

Question 5

Four ways people deal with symptoms and rank from most common to least

Answer 5

1. do nothing
2. non-medical measures
   3.OTC products
3. See MD

Question 6

Most common agents in pharmacies

Answer 6

Vitamins/minerals
cough/ cold
analgesics
dermatology

Question 7

How many grams of acetaminophen are we worried about toxicity

Answer 7

8-9 grams

Question 8

Line Extensions

Answer 8

they use the brand name to venture into other areas (tylenol started in pain relief and is in many things now)

Question 9

Risks and benefits to self med

Answer 9

Benefits: faster, cheaper for gov’t

Risks: delay in getting MD care, adverse effects, risks of self med usually»then self care

Question 10

Lock and Leave

Answer 10

Only can be bought when the pharmacist is on site (consumer still doesnt have to ask the pharmacist, they just have to have the opportunity to ask)

Question 11

Where would people rather go for Rx meds vs OTC meds

Answer 11

Rx meds: Md

OTC Meds: about 50/50 for doctors and pharmacists

Question 12

Pharmacists Role in OTCs

Answer 12

access symptoms/ make recommendations
provide information on proper drug use
respond to specific questions
monitor drug use (but how)

Question 13

Publics impression of OTC

Answer 13

It is safe as you can buy it anywhere basically

there is a de-medicalization of OTCs

Question 14

Evaluation of Pharmacists as OTC advisors (the good)

Answer 14

• Satisfaction is high
• Seen as friendly and helpful
• well respected
• most take advice

Question 15

Evaluation of pharmacists as OTC advisors (the bad)

Answer 15

• not enough questions asked
• pharmacists pay little attention to OTCs
• some evidence of low accessibility