Polifarmácia e educação para o uso correto de medicamentos

Abstract

One third of the population treated for prescription renewal in FSH Altinópolis III consumes several drugs simultaneously. This practice is called polypharmacy and is strongly influenced by the medicalization phenomenon. The irrational use of drugs translates into excessive consumption of luxury goods, contraindicated and underutilization of others that would be essential for the control of acute and chronic diseases. The use of multiple products and the prescription of contraindicated drugs, especially for the elderly, favor the appearance of adverse effects and drug interactions. Many epidemiological studies have shown significant increase in the use of drugs with advancing age, with the highest prevalence of polypharmacy in the age group 75-79 years. This work proposes an intervention in prescribing those patients identified with polypharmacy in order to educate them to the correct use of medicines. From the data collection in the enrolled population in the FHS Altinópolis III, in the city of Governador Valadares, it was made a situational diagnosis of the coverage area and conducted planning to seek solutions to the problem. The benefits of a prescription for the patients are unquestionable. It is essential role of health staff to monitor, warn, educate and guide patients who have prescriptions that can compromise their safety.