Assessment of practices and knowledge about Analgin and other pain medication use among Armenian population

Abstract

Pain is one of the most widespread symptoms and one of the most frequent reasons for medical care. Therefore, not surprisingly, pain medication accounts for one of the most utilized drug categories. However, in many cases pain-killing medicines are assigned inappropriately. Among widely used and often misused medicines in Armenia special attention should be paid to Analgin and its combinations with other active substances. These drugs are widely available in Armenian drug stores and are sold without prescription. Nevertheless, the adverse effects of Analgin, such as agranulocytosis and anaphylactic shock, were discovered in 1960s. Based on the number of research, Analgin gradually was withdrawn in many countries, including Sweden, Great Britain, Norway, USA, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Denmark, Pakistan, and many other countries. This cross-sectional study was conducted to find out the level of knowledge and practices of Armenian population towards Analgin and other pain medicines, as well as recognizing possible associations between consumption of Analgin and knowledge and practices of the population. The study was conducted in five drug stores of Yerevan during August, 2003. According to the results of the study, 77% of participants mentioned Analgin as their known pain medication. It was found that these people tend to buy Analgin. The majority of the respondents considered Analgin as effective pain medication, and nobody knew its exact side effects. It was also found that older people tended to buy more Analgin. Likewise, 74% of the sample population either did not know of did not assume that Analgin was withdrawn in many countries. Based on these findings, it is important to educate both population and health care professionals, including pharmacists and doctors. At the same time important steps should be taken by the Ministry of Health and Drug and Medical Technology Agency (DMTA) in preventing getting Analgin to the drug stores or supply it by the prescription.