EVALUATION OF IRON SUPPLEMENT PRESCRIBING PRACTICES IN ANEMIC PATIENTS: A STUDY OF COMMUNITY PHARMACIES IN GANDHINAGAR DISTRICT

Abstract

Background: Anemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are major global health concerns, particularly in developing nations like India, largely due to inadequate dietary intake and impaired iron absorption.

Objective: This prospective, observational study aimed to evaluate prescribing patterns for iron supplements using WHO indicators and identify factors influencing supplement selection and side effect management.

Methods: Conducted over six months in four community pharmacies in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the study followed 139 anemic patients. WHO prescribing indicators were applied, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Most patients had mild to moderate anemia. Analysis of 350 prescribed drugs revealed an average of 2.5 drugs per prescription, indicating over-prescription. Only 2.5% of drugs were prescribed generically, showing poor adherence to WHO standards. Injectables comprised 9% of prescriptions, while orals were most common. Only 9% of drugs were from the national essential medicines list. Supplement choice (ferrous fumarate, ferrous ascorbate) correlated with patient age and sex. Three patients reported side effects: nausea (ferric carboxy maltose), dark stools and nausea (ferrous ascorbate), and constipation (ferrous fumarate).

Conclusion: While iron supplementation is common, the study highlights a significant need for improved adherence to WHO prescribing norms and more rational drug use practices in community pharmacy settings.