The opinion of pharmacists about the pharmaceutical category of herbal medicines. Survey of pharmacy retail employees

The category of herbal medicines is represented in the domestic pharmaceutical market in the form of two main groups of pharmacy product assortment – herbal medicinal preparations (HMP) and dietary supplements (DS). They often have similarities in terms of composition, dosage form, and scope of application. Hence, attitude of professional specialists that influence consumer demand and choice, to these groups of pharmacy products is important to be considered. Aim – to assess the level of knowledge, prevailing ideas, differences in the perception of HMP and DS among pharmacists working in pharmacy retail. Material and methods. The survey of pharmacists was conducted using a specially designed questionnaire using the Google Forms electronic resource. 162 specialists with at least 1 year of experience in the pharmacy sector participated in the study. The study was conducted on the basis of the “Evalar Pharmacy” chain of pharmacies, specializing in the sale of herbal medicines. Results. The majority of the surveyed specialists noted urological (54.0%) and neurological (52.1%) diseases as therapeutic areas where herbal medicines have real clinical value. The leading role of retail pharmacists in the choice of products by consumers was noted by 40.1% of respondents. The possibility of replacing HMP with DS in 38.0% of cases is completely denied by them, in 50.0% and 12,0% it is allowed if desired by the patient himself or in any case respectively. 59.3% of specialists point out the difference in the regulatory status of HMP and DS to consumers in their practice. In the majority of cases, they need reliable information about clinical trials on efficacy (73.6%), as well as the quality and safety of products (52.1%). Conclusions. The results of the survey show that pharmaceutical specialists are well aware of the scope, advantages and disadvantages of the phytopreparation category, see differences in HMP and DS, but in their professional activities they are more guided by the opinion of consumers.