Use of Medications in Arab Countries

Use of medications in Arab countries is complex; although it follows strict laws and regulations, there seems to be many forces that push and pull implementation of these in several directions. Pharmacy practice in the Arab countries is predominantly similar, with a few country-specific factors that are affected by regulation, policy, and education in that country. Medications are mostly imported, but local manufacturing (mostly generic substitutes to imported brand name medications) still occurs and is encouraged by governments in the region. Medications are usually sold in pharmacies that are hospital or community-based, mostly by a licensed pharmacist and often by other personnel such as pharmacy assistants and technicians. Medications classified as prescription medications are conveniently available to consumers without prescription as long as they are able to pay. This creates a situation where medication adverse drug reactions monitoring and follow-up to outcomes of medication therapy are suboptimal. Medication misuse, intentional or unintentional, is on the rise in Arab countries. This chapter covers briefly overall medication and pharmacy regulation in Arab countries, the extent of medication performance monitoring, adherence to medications, and factors that affect patients’ adherence to their therapy including issues related to medication literacy. Key areas of medication use and misuse, including self-medicating practices, are covered in detail in this chapter. Major healthcare areas of concern affecting general public health in Arab countries that are managed with pharmaceuticals including contraception, immunization, smoking cessation, and weight management are also discussed.