The first Medicines Utilization Research in Africa group workshop and symposium brought researchers together from across Africa to improve their knowledge on drug utilization methodologies as well as exchange ideas. As a result, progress was made on drug utilization research and formulating future strategies to enhance the rational use of medicines in Africa. Anti-infectives were the principal theme for the 1-day symposium following the workshops. This included presentations on the inappropriate use of antibiotics as well as ways to address this. Concerns with adverse drug reactions and adherence to anti-retroviral medicines were also discussed, with poor adherence remaining a challenge. There were also concerns with the underutilization of generics. These discussions resulted in a number of agreed activities before the next conference in 2016.
Abstract.Background and aims: Antiepileptic drugs do cause adverse effects, affecting quality of life, adherence and seizures. Consequently, need to study this among Nigerian patients. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study assessing the extent of adverse effects with carbamazepine monotherapy and potential factors. Results: 54 patients (64.3 %) reported no adverse effects, while 30 did. Commonest adverse effects were memory problems followed by headaches, restlessness, tiredness and depression. Adverse effects were significantly higher in females, with females with low educational levels having significantly higher rates. Dose, co-medications, seizure control and comorbid conditions did not significantly affect adverse effects. Conclusions: Perception of adverse effects was common in patients on carbamazepine monotherapy, more common in women than men. Educational status was important in women.
IntroductionEpilepsy is a chronic neurological condition that affects between 65 to 70million people worldwide [1,2], with drug therapy the mainstay of the treatment. It is estimated that 70% of patients will respond to the medicines prescribed whilst the remainder will need surgery and other forms of therapy to achieve seizure control [2,3,4].
Background: The potential for antihypertensive medications to produce deleterious adverse effects on sexual functions among hypertensive adult male patients has been widely reported, such adverse effects may limit drug adherence and compliance. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of antihypertensive medication use on sexual functions among hypertensive adult male patients. Methodology: The study was carried out at the outpatient clinic of a Nigerian University Teaching Hospital. A total of one hundred and fifty-nine recruited hypertensive adult male patients that were being managed at the center over a 3-month period between January 2017 and April 2017 participated in the study; provided they satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria for enrolment. Results: The respondents were between 30 and 98 years of age, (mean of 59 ± 11.1 years). Blood pressure recorded was during their initial medical diagnosis for hypertension. Systolic blood pressure recorded was between 128 and 194 mmHg (mean of 162 ± 16.4 mmHg), while their diastolic blood pressure was between 78 and 120 mmHg (mean of 95 ± 10.7 mmHg). The highest occurrence of sexual dysfunctions was associated with calcium-channel blockers in 32 (20.1%) patients, followed by diuretics in 27 (17.0%) and, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in 20 (12.6%) patients. Conclusion: Calcium channel blockers caused the highest occurrence of sexual dysfunctions.
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