Medicines in the grey market: A sociocultural analysis of individual agency

Abstract

Therefore, I prefer to get medicines myself so I have the opportunity to check the quality… In this way, I can ensure that no dangerous chemical stuff is used in the production process. My doctor knows I'm using cannabis, instead of the one he can prescribe which only worsens my condition.This quote comes from our study Where and how do you buy medicines? 1 The respondent has been consuming cannabis for twelve years, claiming it works well to manage his pain. One way to obtain cannabis is to get family to send it from abroad. Cannabis consumption is not a common healing practice among our respondents. However, between the lines, this respondent articulates a complex yet increasingly common view of medicines and how to access them in contemporary society. Somehow, it hints at a desire to gain some control over one's body, by skilfully distinguishing what are considered as good medicines from bad ones. Such practice is often characterized as self-care, as opposed to care provided by medical professionals. Furthermore, suggested in this quote is the emergence of an array of relations: markets entering institutions, self-care constituting public care, and lay perspectives encountering professional ones. Alongside, individual agency is taking shape.Health systems, in Sweden as elsewhere, are often conceptualized as 'knowledge economies that produce and mediate access to health

Medicine Across Borders: Exploration of Grey Zones

“…It is known that the problem with SF medical products is more prominent in low-and middle-income countries. As to the knowledge and experience of pharmacists, i.e., the profession that works in the entire chain from the production of medicines until the consumer goes home with their medicine This is also stated in a review by Liu and Lundin, which conclude gaps in the literature about SF medical products (Liu & Lundin, 2016). For example, they address that there is a lack of knowledge regarding health professionals' knowledge about SF medical products.…”

“…This problem had also been tackled by the serialisation of pharmaceutical products (Cordon et al, 2016). However, there is significantly less knowledge of the demand side, in particular of people's awareness and perceived risks of these products (Liu & Lundin, 2016;. Considering the potential threatening effects of SF medical products on individuals and society, there is a need to investigate what knowledge exists among individuals and what the prevalent attitudes are with regards to consuming medicines outside the regulated market.…”

“…From previous studies we know that purchases of SF medical products tend to be associated with shopping on the Internet and at informal local markets (Liu & Lundin, 2016). However, we know much less of the interaction between the thoughts and actions of individuals, or other underlying processes and mechanisms driving these behaviours.…”

Care in the air? Atmospheres of care in Swedish pharmacies

“…With a nod to the material grounding of atmosphere, it is necessary to note the societal context where these pharmacies are situated. Along with a structural change in Swedish pharmacy market, as introduced earlier, and political endorsement of individual responsibility (Liu and Lundin, 2020), a majority of pharmacies have become private-owned; people visiting pharmacies are commonly addressed as customers rather than patients. Positioned as healthcare institutions, pharmacies are legally required to offer high-quality pharmaceutical care services.…”