Dados do Trabalho

Título

THE OPIOIDS AVAILABILITY IN MANAUS PHARMACIES

Introdução

Chronic pain is a public health problem whose approach is a priority due to its high prevalence and its impact on patients' quality of life. Its treatment is closely related to the prescription of opioids. However, due to the supposedly low availability in Manaus, the management may not be adequate due to the difficulty in finding such drugs. It is necessary to collect data to describe the availability of these drugs in the pharmaceutical networks in Manaus in order to guide the prescribing professional, enabling better patient care. In addition, the data can be used for public policies in order to promote adjustments for the benefit, above all, of cancer patients.

Objetivo

To identify which opioids are available for prescription in Manaus from a survey of their accessibility in the main pharmaceutical networks (private sector) and in the Pharmacy of the Amazonas State Oncology Control Center Foundation (FCECON) (public sector)

Método

The project was evaluated in ethical review by the Research Ethics Committee. For data collection, the study members went in person at the pharmacies included in the study and, after agreeing to participate, the responsible pharmacist filled out the form for data collection. The opioids included were: codeine alone and in association with paracetamol, tramadol alone and in association with paracetamol, morphine in rapid and controlled release, methadone, oxycodone, fentanyl patch, buprenorphine.

Resultado

In total, there were 4 private pharmaceutical networks and the public pharmacy of the reference hospital in oncology in the region. Among them, the public pharmacy holds most drugs in general (70%). Weak opioids are more commonly found in the private network, while strong ones are found in the public network. Fentanyl patch 25 and 75mcg/hour and buprenorphine were not found in any of the pharmacies surveyed in the city.

Conclusão

The availability of opioids is uneven when analyzing the private and public pharmaceutical network. The low availability in the private network can make it difficult to control pain in the local population, especially cancer patients and palliative care. It is still necessary to try to understand the reasons that impact the low availability of medicines for the local population and, consequently, actions to remedy the discrepant accessibility to them.

Palavras-chave

Opioids. Pain. Manaus.

Área

Oncologia - Cuidados Paliativos, Suporte e Terminalidade