Abstract

PHARMACOEPIDEMOLOGICAL STUDY ON USE OF ALLOPATHIC V/S ALLOPATHIC AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINES IN LIFESTYLE DISEASES

Sooriya A.*, Dr. T. Tamil Selvan, Megha A. K., Shafeena K. P., Liya Biyju and Surabhi Mohan K.

ABSTRACT

Background: Different types of Complementary and alternative treatments are available such as Ayurveda, homeopathy, unani, siddha etc to treat lifestyle diseases. Allopathic medicines provide quick relief to most of the patients, Complementary and Alternative therapies are preferred over allopathic medicine so as to attain normal body function in natural ways, without any side effect in a lower cost but the concomitant use of different system of medicines together may either result in getting benefit or may even lead to side effect in the patients. Aim: The aim of the study was to conduct Pharmacoepidemiological study on the use of allopathic versus allopathic with complementary and alternative medicines in life style diseases. Methods: A Prospective study, both male and female patients under the treatment of life style diseases were included in the study. Collected data was collected by designed data collection form and questionnaire. Adverse reaction and cost were analysed to assess the cost effectiveness and safety of both treatments. Results: From 113 patients, analysis of age distribution revealed that most of the patients were from the age group of 41- 50 years (30.1%). No improvement with allopathic medicine was found to be reason for using CAM along with allopathic medicines (12 patients 40%). Cost was not affordable was reported by 21 patients (70%). Conclusion: Although Complementary medicine is effective treatment for life style diseases, the possibility of toxicities and adverse reactions much high, it can lead to therapeutic failure or can cause comorbidities by the concomitant use of both the systems

Keywords: Lifestyle diseases, Complementary and alternative medicines, Hypertension, Diabetes, Dyslipidemia, Asthma.