THE few studies on the levels of the major immunoglobulin classes (IgA,

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Hyperuricemia is a potential marker of cardiovascular diseases, and its relation to hypertension and arteriosclerosis, as well as the outcomes of certain cardiovascular events, is interesting. The research was carried out a sample of 50 subjects of both sexes, who were either on allopurinol or febuxostat treatment. Effects of allopurinol and febuxostat on concentrations of uric acid and some lipid fractions (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol) were observed in 25 subjects on allopurinol treatment, and in 25 subjects on febuxostat treatment, who were chosen by defined criteria, with each patient serving as his or her control. The total observation period was six months and the cut was made after the first three months and at the end of the research. Evaluating the effectiveness of allopurinol in subjects with hyperuricemia, it was established that concentrations of uric acid decreased by 126.28±20.36 µmol/L, at the end of the research, compared to the initial concentration. In subjects who used febuxostat, at the end of the research, concentrations of uric acid decreased by 252.80±94.17 µmol/L, compared to the initial concentration. Evaluating the effectiveness of febuxostat on concentrations of lipid fractions, a statistically significant increase of 0.17±0.02 mmol/L in concentrations of HDL and a statistically significant decrease of 0.37±0.14 mmol/L in concentrations of LDL were noted. Subjects with gout treated with allopurinol had significantly lower average concentrations of cholesterol compared to subjects with gout and metabolic syndrome (p=0.001). Subjects with gout and metabolic syndrome had significantly higher concentrations of LDL at the beginning and the end of the research, regardless of therapy (p=0.045;p=0.049, respectively). Both drugs showed effectiveness in the treatment of hyperuricemia, and a certain effect on concentrations of lipid fractions.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate whether the place of the survey makes a significant impact on the responses regarding the process of self-medication, as well as the present pharmacists’ engagement in this process in the Sarajevo Canton. Study Design: An anonymous questionnaire-based survey. Place and Duration of Study: One public pharmacy and various public places in the Sarajevo Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina, for five months, February–June 2019. Methodology: A total of 312 respondents was included. The first group (165 respondents) was surveyed in the pharmacy after buying an over-the-counter (OTC) drug, and the second group (147 respondents) was surveyed outside the pharmacy. Results: Pharmacists instructed 65% of respondents (72.73% in the first group and 57.14% in the second group) on how to take the purchased OTC drug and checked whether 55% of respondents (70.91% in the first group and 38.1% in the second group) bought an appropriate drug for their health problem. Only 25% of respondents (36.36% in the first group and 12.24% in the second group) was informed about the adverse effects, whereas 29% of respondents (41.82% in the first group and 14.97% in the second group) was informed about the potential contraindications or interactions of the purchased OTC drug. The statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between the responses to the questions and the place of the survey about providing information on the adverse effects (P = .03), comorbidities (P = .049), and general information about the purchased OTC drug (P = .04). Conclusion: In the Sarajevo Canton, pharmacists should be more actively involved in the process of self-medication and provide the necessary advice to patients consuming OTC drugs. Further research is needed so general conclusions could be drawn.