ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Acute kidney failure is a serious consequence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). OBJECTIVES: To identify the prevalence of COVID-19, kidney failure, frequency of death, and associated factors in patients receiving intensive care. DESIGN AND SETTING: Analytical cross-sectional study conducted in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a medium-sized philanthropic general hospital in center-west Minas Gerais. METHODS: Adults and older individuals who underwent real-time polymerase chain reaction testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were evaluated by the nephrology team. RESULTS: Among the 176 patients, the prevalence of COVID-19 and acute kidney injury (AKI) were 103 (58.5%) and 132 (75%), respectively, and 44 (25%) had chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 16 (15,5%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2. In the Charlson index classification, which estimates the risk of death, a statistically significant difference was identified in the percentages of groups with and without COVID-19 for indices 0, 1, and 2. There was a significant association between kidney disease and ICU mortality (P < 0.05). Patients with CKD had fewer fatal outcomes (13/97, 13.4%) than those with AKI (85/97, 87.6%). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 rates remained high long after diagnosis and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, a higher death rate among patients who developed AKI, whose prevalence was also greater than that in the national literature, regardless of the presence of COVID-19, revealed a worrying scenario and corroborated the need for early and judicious approaches to preserve the lives of patients with AKI admitted to intensive care units. BACKGROUND 201 COVID19. COVID19 COVID 19 . (COVID-19) OBJECTIVES COVID19, 19, SETTING crosssectional cross sectional (ICU mediumsized medium sized centerwest center west Gerais METHODS realtime real time SARSCoV2 SARSCoV SARS CoV (SARS-CoV-2 team RESULTS 17 COVID-1 (AKI 10 58.5% 585 58 5 (58.5% 13 75%, 75 75% , (75%) respectively 4 25% 25 (25% (CKD 1 15,5% 155 15 (15,5% SARSCoV2. classification 0 P 0.05. 005 0.05 05 0.05) 13/97, 1397 97 (13/97 13.4% 134 85/97, 8597 85 (85/97 87.6%. 876 87.6% 87 6 87.6%) CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV- infection addition literature units 20 COVID1 (COVID-19 (SARS-CoV- COVID- 58.5 (58.5 7 (75% (25 15,5 (15,5 00 0.0 13/97 139 9 (13/9 13.4 85/97 859 8 (85/9 87.6 SARS-CoV (COVID-1 (SARS-CoV 58. (58. (75 (2 15, (15, 0. 13/9 (13/ 13. 85/9 (85/ 87. (COVID- (58 (7 ( (15 13/ (13 85/ (85 (COVID (5 (1 (8

Abstract The study aimed to analyze the profile of requests for medicinal cannabis-based products within the Technical Notes (TNs) of the e-NatJus platform. Conducted as a descriptive documentary research, it utilized secondary data from the platform, covering TNs published from 2018 to August 31, 2023. Among the 672 identified TNs, a substantial number, 83 % (n=558), presented unfavorable opinions. The applicants, predominantly male (53.12 %), spanned various age groups from newborns to the elderly. Geographically, requests were distributed across 23 states in Brazil, with Rio Grande do Sul being the most representative (19.6 %). Diagnostic confirmation relied on medical reports, and prevalent diagnoses included "unspecified speech or language development disorder" (CID F80.9) and "epilepsy" (CID G40), accounting for 19.34 % and 18.6 % of TNs, respectively. The findings offer a comprehensive view of the judicialization of health concerning medicinal cannabis in Brazil. In light of divergent results for similar therapeutic goals, the study emphasizes the necessity for clinical guidelines and robust scientific research to ascertain the effectiveness and safety of cannabis-based medications. Clear guidelines are crucial to ensure the effective and safe use of medicinal cannabis in the judicial context. cannabisbased based (TNs eNatJus e NatJus platform 201 31 2023 67 number 8 n=558, n558 n n=558 , 558 (n=558) opinions applicants 53.12 5312 53 12 (53.1 %, %) elderly Geographically 2 Brazil 19.6 196 19 6 (19. %. . reports unspecified disorder CID F80.9 F809 F F80 9 epilepsy "epilepsy G40, G40 G G40) 1934 34 19.3 186 18 18. respectively goals medications context 20 3 202 n55 n=55 55 (n=558 53.1 531 5 1 (53. 19. (19 F80. F8 G4 193 n5 n=5 (n=55 53. (53 (1 n= (n=5 (5 ( (n= (n

Abstract In Brazil, insulin analogs stand out as one of the most demanded medications by judicial means. However, the guarantee of judicial access does not guarantee rational use. In context, pharmacotherapeutic follow-up (PF) is shown to be clinical effective strategy for patients with diabetes. To evaluate direct medical costs one year after performing PF in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus using insulin analogs ordered by court in Public Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS). This is a partial economic analysis, nested within a quasi-experimental study. Patients with T1DM who receive insulin analogs by judicialization in a medium-sized Brazilian city participated. The PF was conducted following the method adapted from the Pharmacotherapy workup (PW). Data were collected considering the period of one year before the start of the intervention and one year after the start of the intervention. Direct medical costs were evaluated and the difference in costs was calculated. 28 patients participated in the intervention. After PF, direct costs were -$3,696.78. Sensitivity analysis showed that there is a 33.4 % chance for PF to present cost savings when compared to baseline. The PF has the potential to reduce direct medical costs from the perspective of the SUS. Brazil means However use context followup follow up (PF Sistema SUS . SUS) quasiexperimental quasi experimental study TDM T DM mediumsized medium sized PW. PW (PW) calculated 2 $3,696.78. 369678 3 696 78 -$3,696.78 334 33 4 33. baseline (PW $3,696.78 36967 69 7 -$3,696.7 $3,696.7 3696 6 -$3,696. $3,696. 369 -$3,696 $3,696 36 -$3,69 $3,69 -$3,6 $3,6 -$3, $3, -$3 $3 -$ $

Resumo Introdução Estudos mostram que, dentre os medicamentos mais adquiridos via ação judicial, estão os utilizados para o tratamento do Diabetes Mellitus, especialmente os análogos de insulina. Objetivo Avaliar a utilização do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) pelos pacientes com Diabetes Mellitus tipo 1 (DM1), que recebem insulina por meio de judicialização, antes e após este processo. Método Em um estudo observacional longitudinal retrospectivo, foram utilizados dados secundários de pacientes com DM1, que adquiriram insulinas por processos judiciais em Divinópolis-MG, Brasil, em 2018. Foram coletadas informações sociodemográficas e referentes ao acompanhamento destes pacientes no SUS Realizou-se o teste χ2 de McNemar para a comparação das proporções das variáveis utilizadas para a avaliação do acompanhamento antes e após a judicialização. Resultados Dos 89 pacientes analisados, predominou-se o sexo feminino (53,9%), com idade entre 20 e 39 anos (52,8%). 55,1% destes utilizam apenas o sistema privado de saúde. Após a judicialização, houve um aumento significativo (p< 0,05) no número de pacientes que realizaram consultas na atenção primária à saúde (de 19,1% para 30,3%) e consultas médicas de emergência (de 1,1% para 9,0%). Conclusão A maioria dos pacientes com DM1 que judicializam medicamentos no SUS não são acompanhados por este sistema de saúde através de realização de exames, consultas e hospitalizações. judicial (SUS DM , (DM1) judicialização processo retrospectivo DivinópolisMG, DivinópolisMG Divinópolis MG, MG Divinópolis-MG Brasil 2018 Realizouse Realizou se χ 8 analisados predominouse predominou 53,9%, 539 53,9% 53 9 (53,9%) 2 3 52,8%. 528 52,8% . 52 (52,8%) 551 55 55,1 p< p (p 0,05 005 0 05 191 19 19,1 30,3% 303 30 11 1,1 9,0%. 90 9,0% 9,0%) exames hospitalizações (DM1 201 53,9 5 (53,9% 52,8 (52,8% 55, 0,0 00 19, 30,3 1, 9,0 (DM 53, (53,9 52, (52,8 0, 30, 9, (53, (52, (53 (52 (5 (

Abstract Background Studies show that among the drugs most commonly used in judicial litigation in Brazil, are those used to treat diabetes mellitus, especially insulin analogues. Objective Evaluate the use of the Unified Health System (SUS) by patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), who receive insulin analogues through judicial action, before and after this process. Method In a retrospective longitudinal observational study, secondary data was used from these patients in Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 2018. Socio-demographic information was collected and related to the follow-up of these patients in the SUS. The McNemar χ2 test was used to compare the proportions of the variables. Results Of the 89 patients analyzed, women (53.9%) were predominant. Most patients were aged between 20 and 39 years (52.8%), and more than half, 55.1%, use only a private health system. After the judicial action, there was a significant increase (p <0.05) in the number of patients who had consultations in primary health care (from 19.1% to 30.3%) and emergency medical appointments (from 1.1% to 9.0%). Conclusion It is observed that the majority of patients with T1DM via judicial action in the SUS are not monitored by this health system through examinations, consultations, and hospitalizations. Brazil (SUS T1DM, TDM , T DM (T1DM) process study Gerais 2018 Sociodemographic Socio demographic followup follow up χ variables 8 analyzed 53.9% 539 53 9 (53.9% predominant 2 3 52.8%, 528 52.8% 52 (52.8%) half 551 55 55.1% p <0.05 005 0 05 191 19 19.1 30.3% 303 30 11 1.1 9.0%. 90 9.0% . 9.0%) examinations hospitalizations (T1DM 201 53.9 5 (53.9 52.8 (52.8% 55.1 <0.0 00 19. 30.3 1. 9.0 53. (53. 52. (52.8 55. <0. 30. 9. (53 (52. <0 (5 (52 < (

Resumo Introdução: O rastreio da doença renal crônica (DRC) em pacientes com diabetes (DM) possibilita o diagnóstico precoce e ajuda a estabelecer um tratamento adequado, evitando possíveis danos à saúde pela progressão da doença. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar se o rastreio da DRC está sendo feito de maneira adequada entre diabéticos acompanhados na atenção primária à saúde. Métodos: Estudo descritivo com 265 pacientes com DM atendidos nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde de Divinópolis, MG. A coleta de dados clínicos e laboratoriais foi realizada por meio de consulta ao Sistema Integrado de Saúde. Foram calculadas a frequência de realização dos exames de avaliação da função renal nos últimos 12 meses e a frequência de pacientes com excreção urinária de albumina (EUA) aumentada e a taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG) reduzida, e assim determinada a frequência de pacientes com comprometimento renal. Resultados: Foi observado que 41,2% dos pacientes têm comprometimento renal; dentre esses, 61,2% utilizam algum medicamento nefroprotetor. Apenas 21,9% realizaram o exame de albuminúria isolada, dos quais 46,5% apresentaram albuminúria aumentada. O exame de relação albumina/creatinina (RAC) foi realizado por 12,1% dos pacientes, dos quais 43,8% apresentaram RAC aumentada. Foi observado que 89,0% dos pacientes realizaram o exame de creatinina sérica, dos quais 33,1% apresentaram TFG reduzida. Conclusão: Foi observado maior índice de rastreio da DRC por meio da TFG em relação ao rastreio por meio da EUA, o qual foi realizado por pequeno número de pacientes. Portanto, o rastreio da DRC não está sendo realizado adequadamente na atenção básica ao diabético. Introdução (DRC (DM adequado Métodos 26 Divinópolis MG 1 EUA (EUA (TFG reduzida Resultados 412 41 2 41,2 esses 612 61 61,2 nefroprotetor 219 21 9 21,9 isolada 465 46 5 46,5 albuminacreatinina (RAC 121 12,1 438 43 8 43,8 890 89 0 89,0 sérica 331 33 33,1 Conclusão Portanto diabético 4 41, 6 61, 21, 46, 12, 43, 89, 3 33,

Abstract Introduction: Screening patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) for chronic kidney disease (CKD) enables early diagnosis and helps to establish adequate treatment and avoid possible damages to health associated with disease progression. This study aimed to verify whether screening for CKD has been properly conducted in populations with diabetes mellitus seen at primary care clinics. Methods: This descriptive study included 265 individuals with DM seen at Basic Healthcare Clinics in Divinópolis, MG, Brazil. Clinical and laboratory data were collected from the Integrated Health System. Frequency of testing and kidney function evaluations performed within the last 12 months were calculated along with the proportion of patients with increased urinary albumin excretion (UAE) and decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to determine the proportion of patient with kidney involvement. Results: We found that 41.2% of the patients had kidney involvement and that 61.2% of the individuals with kidney involvement were on nephroprotective medication. Of the 21.9% tested for isolated albuminuria, 46.5% had increased UAE. The albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) was measured in 12.1% of the patients, with 43.8% having an increased ACR. We found that 89.0% of the patients had their serum creatinine levels measured, and that 33.1% had a decreased GFR. Conclusion: CKD screening was more frequently performed via the GFR than UAE, a parameter analyzed only in a small proportion of patients. Therefore, CKD screening for patients with diabetes is not being performed properly in primary care. Introduction (DM (CKD progression clinics Methods 26 Divinópolis MG Brazil System 1 UAE (UAE (GFR Results 412 41 2 41.2 612 61 61.2 medication 219 21 9 21.9 albuminuria 465 46 5 46.5 albumintocreatinine ACR (ACR 121 12.1 438 43 8 43.8 890 89 0 89.0 331 33 33.1 Conclusion Therefore 4 41. 6 61. 21. 46. 12. 43. 89. 3 33.

Resumo Fundamento Aparentemente, a pior resposta a algumas classes de anti-hipertensivos, especialmente inibidores da enzima conversora da angiotensina e bloqueadores de receptor de angiotensina, pela população negra, explicaria, pelo menos parcialmente, o pior controle da hipertensão entre esses indivíduos. Entretanto, a maioria das evidências vêm de estudos norte-americanos. Objetivos Este estudo tem o objetivo de investigar a associação entre raça/cor da pele autorrelatadas e controle de PA em participantes do Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil) utilizando várias classes de anti-hipertensivos em monoterapia. Métodos O estudo envolveu uma análise transversal, realizada com participantes da linha de base do ELSA-Brasil. O controle de pressão arterial foi a variável de resposta, participantes com valores de PA ≥140/90 mmHg foram considerados descontrolados em relação aos níveis de pressão arterial. A raça/cor da pele foi autorrelatada (branco, pardo, negro). Todos os participantes tiveram que responder perguntas sobre uso contínuo de medicamentos. A associação entre o controle de PA e raça/cor da pele foi estimada por regressão logística. O nível de significância adotado nesse estudo foi de 5%. Resultados Do total de 1.795 usuários de anti-hipertensivos em monoterapia na linha de base, 55,5% se declararam brancos, 27,9%, pardos e 16,7%, negros. Mesmo depois de padronizar em relação a variáveis de confusão, negros em uso de inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina (IECA), bloqueadores de receptor de angiotensina (BRA), diuréticos tiazídicos (DIU tiazídicos) e betabloqueadores (BB) in monoterapia tinham controle de pressão arterial pior em comparação a brancos. Conclusões Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que, nesta amostra de brasileiros adultos utilizando anti-hipertensivos em monoterapia, as diferenças de controle de pressão arterial entre os vários grupos raciais não são explicadas pela possível eficácia mais baixa dos IECA e BRA em indivíduos negros.

Abstract Background It seems that the worst response to some classes of antihypertensive drugs, especially angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, on the part of the Black population, would at least partially explain the worse control of hypertension among these individuals. However, most of the evidence comes from American studies. Objectives This study aims to investigate the association between self-reported race/skin color and BP control in participants of the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil), using different classes of antihypertensive drugs in monotherapy. Methods The study involved a cross-sectional analysis, carried out with participants from the baseline of ELSA-Brasil. Blood pressure control was the response variable, participants with BP values ≥140/90 mmHg were considered out of control in relation to blood pressure levels. Race/skin color was self-reported (White, Brown, Black). All participants were asked about the continuous use of medication. Association between BP control and race/skin color was estimated through logistic regression. The level of significance adopted in this study was of 5%. Results Of the total of 1,795 users of antihypertensive drugs in monotherapy at baseline, 55.5% declared themselves White, 27.9% Brown, and 16.7% Black. Even after adjusting for confounding variables, Blacks using angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), thiazide diuretics (thiazide DIU), and beta-blockers (BB) in monotherapy had worse blood pressure control compared to Whites. Conclusions Our results suggest that in this sample of Brazilian adults using antihypertensive drugs in monotherapy, the differences in blood pressure control between different racial groups are not explained by the possible lower effectiveness of ACEIs and ARBs in Black individuals.

Abstract Evidence on factors associated with the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is still under construction. The present study aimed to evaluate sociodemographic, clinical, and drug use factors associated with the progression of CKD. A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 193 patients with CKD stages 3A to 5- non-dialysis followed for three years in a Brazilian city. The outcome was the evolution to renal replacement therapy (RRT) or death. A total of 52.3 % (n = 101) were men and 83.4 % (n = 161) elderly. The median age was 72.0 years, and 22.3 % (n = 44) progressed to RRT or death, and the three-year mortality rate was 20.2 %. Participants exposed to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers had a lower risk of progressing to the outcome (hazard ratio (HR) 0.25; p = 0.003) and higher survival (p = 0.022) when compared to those not exposed to these drugs. Age (HR 1.06;) and use of omeprazole (HR 6.25; CI; p <0.01) and hydrochlorothiazide (HR 2.80; p = 0.028) increased the risks of RRT or death. The results highlight the importance of rational management of pharmacotherapy for patients with CKD.

Abstract The hospital pharmacy needs a constant process of evaluation and monitoring of its activities. In Brazil, several agencies establish tasks and duties for pharmacists, but little is known about the compliance and the perception of the professional regarding these policies. The present study aims to characterize the pharmacist’s perception of Brazilian hospital pharmacy policies according to the Basel Statements. A search was performed for the contacts of all medium and high complexity hospitals in the country. Subsequently, a questionnaire elaborated following the Basel Statements was sent by e-mail to hospital pharmacists throughout the country. The domain analyzed was "Human Resources, Training, and Development". Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 19.0. Pharmacists representing a total of 111 hospitals from all Brazilian regions answered the survey questionnaire and showed that more than half of the hospital pharmacists perceive themselves as not complying, whether in the service of local, national, or pharmaceutical education. Besides updating the professionals in relation to national policies, it is necessary that the representative bodies of the pharmaceutical class be more present in the elaboration and evaluation of the policies directed to human resources, seeking uniformity and the possibility of carrying out the activities required.

ABSTRACT Objective To identify and analyze the quality of scientific evidence from clinical efficacy studies present in the package inserts of coagulation factors, used in the treatment of hemophilia A and B. Methods Documentary study developed in two stages. The first stage consisted of identifying the medicine packages inserts electronically registered in the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency, and analyzing the availability of the bibliographic references cited therein. This analysis was conducted in the PubMed, SciELO, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases. The second step was the analysis of the methodological quality of the efficacy studies. Two trained researchers used the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias version 5.1.0 tools for methodological quality analysis, and Review Manager 5.4 software to generate the risk of bias graph. Results Of the 17 medicines listed, 7 had referenced package inserts. Of these, 10 studies were eligible for analysis of methodological quality. More than half of the analyzed studies did not control for selection, performance, and detection bias. A total of 100% controlled attrition and reporting biases, and 50% had a high risk of conflict of interest. Conclusion The biases present are significant and may have influenced the overestimation of the effects of the outcomes of each of the studies.

Abstract The present study proposes and evaluates the test-retest reliability of indicators of the correct use of sodium alendronate in elderly patients. This is a test-retest reliability study for use of sodium alendronate. Six questions to evaluate the correct use of this medicine were elaborated after analysis of information in the literature. Data collection was performed through questionnaires in face-to-face in-home interviews by previously trained interviewers. The participants were initially interviewed (test) when they agreed to participate in the study, and secondly (retest), after a period of 7 to 14 days from the first interview. The reliability of the questions was evaluated by means of the agreement percentage and the Kappa coefficient. Fifty-seven pairs (test-retest) were obtained. The mean age was 69.3 (SD = 6.9) years, the majority (92.5%) completed elementary education, and declared themselves white (50.9%). All the questions presented high concordance ranging from 79.0% to 98.3%. The Kappa values ranged from 0.1 (low) to 0.83 (very good). The agreement percentage and the Kappa values suggest adequate reliability of the proposed questions. We suggest that they can be used as a simple and quick way to evaluate the quality of sodium alendronate use among the elderly.

Abstract The treatment of epilepsy is complex and a matter of concern is the interchangeability among different formulations available for antiepileptic drugs. To evaluate the effects of interchangeability among carbamazepine formulations on patients with epilepsy. This is a prospective cohort study that included adult outpatients diagnosed with epilepsy and under pharmacological treatment with carbamazepine. Before switching the brand/manufacturer, the “Interchangeable Pharmaceutical Product in the Treatment of Epilepsies” questionnaire was applied. The questionnaires “Adverse Events Profile” and Quality of Life in Epilepsy-31, so as the plasma carbamazepine concentrations, were evaluated before and after the brand/ manufacturer switch. Physical-chemical tests aiming to assess tablets quality were performed in accordance with the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia 5th edition. The study population was composed by 14 patients (mean age: 44.6 years), with 10 of females. From those interviewed, 10 had no knowledge about the three antiepileptic drugs formulations available. The frequency of adverse event “problems with skin” incresead (p=0.023) and “upset stomach” decreased (p=0.041) after the changeover. The adverse events profile was associated with only two quality of life domains: “energy/fatigue” (p=0.048) and “total score” (p=0.018). Divergent results between generic and reference formulations were observed in purity-water test (reference: 1.96%, generic: 4.84%) and dissolution test, in which the generic formulation presented 66.27 to 85.77% of carbamazepine dissolved after the third level. Conclusions: Objective differences before and after the brand/manufacturer switch were not observed, in spite of patients’ perceptions. Despite that, more studies in the field are necessary, especially on the interchangeability among generic antiepileptics, in order to better elucidate switching consequences on patients’ life.

Resumo Introdução Medicamentos vencidos em farmácias caseiras são potenciais agentes causadores de danos à saúde humana e ao meio ambiente. Neste sentido, são essenciais estudos que subsidiem políticas de intervenção para minimização dos riscos. Objetivo Estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados aos medicamentos vencidos em estoques caseiros. Método O estudo transversal foi realizado por meio de entrevistas nas residências dos usuários da atenção primária à saúde (APS) de uma cidade do centro-oeste mineiro, Brasil. As estimativas de prevalência e suas associações foram realizadas por meio de modelos lineares generalizados (MLGs). Resultados Nos 423 estoques caseiros, foram encontrados 4.203 medicamentos, com uma média de 10 medicamentos/residência (DP = 5,87). A prevalência de residências com medicamentos vencidos foi de 45,4%, sendo os antimicrobianos e analgésicos os mais prevalentes. A presença de medicamentos vencidos está associada à presença de medicamentos isentos de prescrição (MIPs) e antimicrobianos nas residências e ao comportamento de guardar o medicamento em desuso em seu estoque caseiro. Conclusão Aproximadamente metade das residências possui medicamentos vencidos, e a presença deles está associada à classe terapêutica e ao comportamento do usuário.

Abstract Background The storage of expired medications at home can cause potential damage to human health and the environment. Thus, studies that support intervention policies to minimize risks are essential. Objective To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with storage of expired medications at home. Method The cross-sectional study was conducted through interviews in the homes of Primary Health Care (PHC) users of a city in the center-west of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Prevalence estimates and their associations were performed using generalized linear models (MLGs). Results We found 4,203 medications stored in 423 homes, with an average of 10 medication/residence (SD=5.87). The prevalence of homes with expired medications was 45.4%, with antimicrobials and analgesics being the most prevalent. The presence of expired medications is associated with the presence of Over the Counter drugs (OTC) and antimicrobials at homes, and the behavior of keeping the unused drug in their home pharmacy. Conclusion Almost half of the homes have expired medications. And the presence of these drugs is associated with the therapeutic class and the behavior of the PHC user.

Studies that addressed the profile of pharmaceutical activities and behaviors in community pharmacies in the last decades pointed to a gap between community pharmacy practice and the precepts of the profession. Facing the need to analyze whether the new legislation has impacted this scenario, the objective of this study was to describe the general profile and academic profile of community pharmacists, and the profile of the activities they develop, as well as to know their place of work. This is a descriptive study, to which all pharmacists in charge of community pharmacies in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte-MG (n = 1624) were invited. Data collection was performed through a questionnaire validated online, from October to December 2017, via Google Docs®. Responses were obtained from 109 pharmacists, most of them female, aged 31-40 years, being general graduates, and in private institutions. Pharmacotherapeutic follow-up, an activity linked to clinical management, is performed by only 37.60% of pharmacists, evidencing that there is still a lag in relation to the provision of clinical services by community pharmacists. Thus, we emphasize the importance of implementing the precepts established by Brazilian curricular guidelines for undergraduate pharmacy courses which focus on the development of clinical skills, since the insertion of the pharmacist into the health team and the provision of clinical services to the community can add new value to the use of medications, and contribute effectively to their rational use in Brazil.

RESUMO Objetivo Caracterizar o armazenamento e o descarte de medicamentos vencidos contidos em farmácias caseiras de usuários da Atenção Primária à Saúde. Métodos Estudo transversal, realizado com 423 usuários de 15 unidades de saúde da Atenção Primária em um município brasileiro. Os dados foram coletados de agosto de 2014 a julho de 2016, por meio de entrevistas face a face. As características demográficas e socioeconômicas foram descritas por meio de proporções para as variáveis categóricas. As formas de armazenamento e o descarte de medicamentos vencidos ou não vencidos foram descritos em forma de frequência. Resultados Dentre os entrevistados, 83% eram do sexo feminino e aproximadamente 70% possuíam Ensino Médio completo. A cozinha foi o local mais citado para armazenamento de medicamentos (58,6%). Cerca de 75% dos participantes relataram descartar os medicamentos de forma incorreta. Conclusão O estudo evidenciou que grande proporção dos entrevistados possui hábitos incorretos de descarte, que, por sua vez, impactam diretamente no tratamento medicamentoso e na natureza. Assim, é necessária a educação continuada dos profissionais de saúde e da população, a fim de conscientizar a população sobre a correta utilização e o descarte de medicamentos.

ABSTRACT Objective To characterize storage and disposal practices associated with expired medicines in home pharmacies of Primary Care users. Methods Cross-sectional study based on data collected from 423 users of 15 Primary Care units located in a Brazilian city, between August 2014 and July 2016. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews. Categorical (demographic and socioeconomic characteristics) and continuous variables were expressed as proportions and means and standard deviations, respectively . Storage behaviors and disposal practices associated with unused and expired medicines were described as frequencies. Results Most (83%) interviewees were female and approximately 70% had completed high school. The kitchen was the most common medicine storage place (58.6%). Approximately 75% of participants reported inappropriate medicine disposal practices. Conclusion This study revealed high rates of inappropriate medicine disposal practices with direct impacts on pharmacological treatment and the environment. Continuing education of healthcare professionals and the general public is required to raise awareness about proper medicine use and disposal.