Pharmacoeconomics & Self-Medication

Question 1

What is pharmacoeconomics?

Answer 1

Pharmacoeconomics can be defined as the branch of economics that uses cost-benefit,
cost-effectiveness, cost-minimization, cost- of-illness and cost-utility analyses to compare pharmaceutical products and treatment strategies

Question 2

Benefits of pharmacoeconomics

Answer 2

• Promote efficiency
• Promote effectiveness of prescribing
• Encourages giving value for money in prescribing.

Question 3

Components of pharmacoeconomics can be split into…

Answer 3

Economics and Humanistic

Question 4

Economics

Answer 4

• Cost-minimization analysis (CMA)
• Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA)
• Cost-benefit analysis (CBA), and
• Cost-utility analysis (CUA).

Question 5

Humanistic

Answer 5

• Quality of life

- Patient preferences - Patient satisfaction

Question 6

What is Self-medication?

Answer 6

It has been defined by the WHO as treatment of
self-diagnosed disorders or symptoms by use of medicines or intermittent/continued use of medicines prescribed by physician for chronic/recurring diseases.

Question 7

Self-medication is one of the essential components of self-care. True or false?

Answer 7

True

Question 8

The risks of self-medication

Answer 8

• Incorrect self-diagnosis
• Delays in seeking appropriate medical advice and proper treatment
• Potential adverse reactions
• Worsening of the condition the individual is
trying to self-treat
• Dangerous drug interaction
• Masking of severe diseases
• Risk of dependence and abuse
• Use of excessive drug dosage
• Prolonged duration of use,
• Polypharmacy.

Question 9

Advantages of self-medication

Answer 9

It facilitates:
• Better use of clinical skills,
• Increases access to medication and
• May contribute to reducing prescribed drug costs associated with publicly funded health programmes.