Korean J Clin Pharm.  2015 Mar;25(1):50-55. 10.0000/kjcp.2015.25.1.50.

Utilization, Safety, and Related Factors of Illegal Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors in South Korean Men

• Kim BG
• Jung SY
• Kwon KE
• Park BJ

• KMID: 2226401
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/kjcp.2015.25.1.50

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors (PDE5Is), which are prescription drug in South Korea, have been concerned about misuse, overuse and illegal provision of the drugs. This study was performed to investigate utilization and safety of illegal Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors (PDE5Is), and related factors among South Korean men.
METHODS
A questionnaire survey was conducted from May to July in 2013 among 1,500 nationally representative general males using computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI). The questionnaire included the characteristics of population, the characteristics of PDE5Is use, the experience with the use of illegally obtained PDE5Is, and adverse events after PDE5Is use.
RESULTS
Among study population, the 1,015 (67.7%) men answered that they have used the illegally obtained PDE5Is. Younger age, single, lower frequency of PDE5Is use in a lifetime was associated with an increased use of illegally obtained PDE5Is. The men experienced adverse events after PDE5Is use is 528 (35.2%). The most common adverse event was mild to moderate hot flashes.
CONCLUSION
We need to enhance awareness about the risk of illegally obtained PDE5Is use, especially in younger men and single. Proactive educations and public relations on safe use of PDE5Is for proper patients are needed.

Keyword

phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors; illegally obtained prescription drugs; telephone survey

MeSH Terms

Hot Flashes
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Korea
Male
Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors*
Prescriptions
Public Relations
Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors