Healthy Skepticism Library item: 4202

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Lee D.
Drug utilization in Panama.
J Clin Epidemiol 1991; 44:

Abstract:

(Limited to parts of article dealing with promotion.) The few pharmaceutical industry sponsored “research” programs submitted to the Medicines Commission in Panama were inadequately designed and could be considered primarily promotional, aimed at inducing prescribers to try new drugs claimed to be important therapeutic advances, or to discredit generic competition by attempts to demonstrate inequivalency with innovator products.
The availability and use of therapeutic agents in Panama is critically reviewed. Of the 3800 drug products on the market, 50% are vitamins, tonics and fixed ratio combination products. Many drugs are of unproven efficacy and safety, not marketed in more developed countries. Hospital and outpatient studies have documented inappropriate prescribing habits. To improve drug utilization, regulatory and educational strategies have been implemented in the Panama Social Security Institute. Drugs of doubtful or no value and unnecessary duplications have been withdrawn from its therapeutic formulatory. Outreach services provided by the Panama Social Security Institute include the distribution of a drug bulletin, workshops, seminars and person to person drug information (counterdetailing) to health personnel. Drug information to patients is also included in the overall strategy to promote the rational use of drugs. Nevertheless, much work is still needed to formulate and implement an essential drugs and health policy in Panama.

Keywords:
*analysis/Panama/developing countries/drug company sponsored research/ generics/research-based manufacturers/PROMOTION DISGUISED: CLINICAL TRIALS/SPONSORSHIP: RESEARCH Drug Utilization* Health Manpower Health Policy* Humans Morbidity Mortality Panama