Korean J Dermatol.  1999 Oct;37(10):1385-1398.

Multicenter Prospective Clinico-Epidemiologic Study on the Abuse, Misuse and Adverse Effects of Drugs in Dermatological Field

• Lee WS
• Eun HC
• Park HS
• Lee SH
• Moon SE
• Shin HC
• Kim HJ

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The abuse, misuse, and resultant adverse reactions of various drugs have been widespread due to lack of division of work of medicine and pharmacy in Korea.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to bring people to an awareness of the seriousness of drug abuse and misuse.
METHODS
A multicenter, prospective, clinico-epidemiologic evaluation was made from patients with adverse drug reactions who visited 126 dermatologic departments in university hospitals(21) or private clinics(105) nationwide from July 1st to July 31st, 1999.
RESULTS
The prevalence of adverse drug reaction was 10.4%, among them 47.9% of the patients had adverse cutaneous effects from external use of topical steroids and 24.1% of the patients had contact dermatitis from external use of various topical agents. The rate(66.3%) of misuse of topical steroids was higher than that(33.7%) of abuse of the drugs. 79.8% of patients had obtained drugs without an accurate diagnosis and prescription from their doctors. Regarding the potency of topical steroids, it was revealed that the lowest potency drugs also caused adverse effects.
CONCLUSION
The strict grouping of drugs as prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs based on drug safety is the key factor to avoid the abuse and misuse of drugs, and to protect the public health from harmful drug effects.

Keyword

Drug abuse and misuse; Adverse drug reaction; Topical steroid; Grouping of drugs based on drug safety

MeSH Terms

Dermatitis, Contact
Diagnosis
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Humans
Korea
Nonprescription Drugs
Pharmacy
Prescription Drugs
Prescriptions
Prevalence
Prospective Studies*
Public Health
Steroids
Substance-Related Disorders
Nonprescription Drugs
Prescription Drugs
Steroids