Pharmacies and drugstores in Negros Oriental are warned against dispensing drugs, especially the anti-tuberculosis medicines, without doctors’ prescriptions.

Department of Health Regional Director 7 Asuncion Anden, who was guest of honor and speaker at the orientation-training of pharmacists and drugstore owners in Negros Oriental, yesterday, said that dispensing anti-TB drugs without prescriptions can create a lot of problems.

A TB patient can be inadequately treated or misdiagnosed, she said.

Anden cited the attitude of Filipinos who like to do shortcuts by going to pharmacies or drugstores and asking what the medicine is good for coughs or cold, without first consulting a doctor. The problem starts when patients prefer to self-medicate, she said.

Pharmacists have a role in telling their clients to first seek consultation. If a cough persists for a long period, there is probability that the patient has TB, she added.*JG

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