Healthcare experts in the country have raised serious concern about the widespread confusion caused by identical or similar drug names in India's healthcare system.
Urgent redressal is the need of the hour to prevent potential mishaps and ensure patient safety, according to Dr. Ishwar Gilada, a prominent infectious disease expert and secretary general of the Peoples Health Organisation-India (PHO).
In addition to the alarming prevalence of identical drug names in India's healthcare system, experts are now highlighting another pressing issue, which is look-alike, sound-alike (LASA) drugs. These medications, despite having distinct purposes, share names that are phonetically and visually similar, posing significant risks to patient safety.
Dr. Gilada highlighted the alarming consequences of drugs sharing identical names but serving entirely different purposes. He cited examples such as Linamac, used to treat diabetes in one form and as a treatment for multiple myeloma, a type of cancer, in another. Similarly, he underscored the dangers posed by medications like azidothiamidine, commonly known as AZT for HIV treatment, and azathioprine, also referred to as AZT, used as an immunosuppressive medication.
"This issue of identical or similar drug names has long plagued the healthcare sector in India," Dr. Gilada emphasized. "While the onus lies with the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to select distinct names for new formulations, it requires a collective effort from all stakeholders to mitigate risks and ensure patient safety," he explained.
Dr. Gilada outlined several critical measures to address this pressing issue. Firstly, he emphasized the importance of standardized prescription practices, whereby doctors clearly indicate the diagnosis along with the prescribed medication and its active ingredient. Additionally, he stressed the need for rigorous training of pharmacists to recognize and mitigate risks associated with similar-sounding drugs.
"By law, chemist shops must be owned by professional pharmacists, and their staff should undergo training," Dr. Gilada asserted. "Furthermore, cross-checking prescriptions with doctors before dispensing medication is crucial to prevent errors," he added.
Despite the severity of the problem, Dr. Gilada expressed concern over the lack of reported data on medication errors related to identical drug names. He urged for greater attention from the government, pharmaceutical companies, and the healthcare sector to address this critical issue and implement comprehensive solutions.
Dr. Gilada further underscored the importance of heightened vigilance in the healthcare sector to prevent medication errors. "LASA drugs such as metformin for diabetes, metoprolol for heart conditions, and metronidazole for amoebiasis, often referred to as Met, Meto, and Metro respectively, demand heightened attention due to their potential for confusion," he emphasized.
To address this critical issue, most hospitals maintain lists of LASA drugs to facilitate accurate prescribing and dispensing practices. However, Dr. Gilada stressed the need for broader awareness and proactive measures across the healthcare continuum.
"While awareness among healthcare professionals is crucial, it is equally important for patients to be vigilant and informed about their prescribed medications," Dr. Gilada emphasized. "Collaborative efforts involving regulatory bodies, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and patients are essential to mitigate the risks associated with LASA drugs," he recommended.
In conclusion, the prevalence of look-alike, sound-alike drugs pose a significant challenge to patient safety in India's healthcare system. Overall, addressing the problem of identical or similar drug names requires a multifaceted approach involving regulatory measures, improved healthcare practices, education, and collaboration across the healthcare sector. |
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