Community Pharmacists’ Perceptions towards the Misuse and Abuse of Pregabalin: A Cross-Sectional Study from Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Pregabalin is a first-line therapy for neuropathic pain and for chronic pain. It has abuse potential. This study was conducted to assess community pharmacists’ perceptions towards pregabalin abuse and misuse in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia, and identify predictors and associated factors. A cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire following a self-administrative study was conducted across community pharmacies in the Aseer region (Abha, Khamis Mushait, Mahayel, Sarat Abeeda, Ahad-Rufaida, and Bishah). A total of 206 respondents from community pharmacists participated in the study. Over the last six months, 136 respondents (66.0%) suspected pregabalin abuse in community pharmacies; male dominance in pregabalin abusers was also recorded (n = 165, 80.1%). Additionally, 40 (19.4%) respondents stated that a prescription was not issued for pregabalin demands. Over half (61.7%) of community pharmacists recorded an increased change in pregabalin abuse compared to the previous year. This is the first study to explore pharmacists’ perceptions in the community of the Aseer region towards customers’ misuse and abuse of pregabalin. Further monitoring and regulations on the prescribing and procurement of pregabalin are needed to avoid abuse.

Assessment of the Community Pharmacists’ Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Pain and Pain Management in Saudi Arabia

“…Another cross-sectional survey was conducted to explore pharmacists knowledge and practices regarding painkillers at King Abdul-Aziz Medical City-Central Region. 36 The learning and experience of pharmacists of the practices and information were also assessed by Wajid (2015). The survey findings showed that amongst the surveyed pharmacists, approximately two-thirds (63.6%) were completely confident, while 32% were moderately confident, and a solitary 4.5% were not confident at all.…”

Suspected inappropriate use of prescription and non-prescription drugs among requesting customers: A Saudi community pharmacists’ perspective

“…One Saudi study assessed their knowledge, attitude and beliefs about such drugs and the majority of community pharmacists reported to have received training to identify drug abuse during their pharmacy education and could appropriately counsel suspected customers ( Mobrad et al, 2020 ). Recently, a study from the south-western region of Saudi Arabia evaluated the perceptions of community pharmacists regarding consumption of pregabalin and found that nearly two-thirds of their respondents suspected pregabalin to be abused ( Alshahrani et al, 2021 ).…”