Pharmacists in Nigeria have raised concerns about the significant number of people who fail to follow through with their oral medication regimen, with over 60% of Nigerians discontinuing their medications during treatment.
This lack of adherence poses serious risks, including the development of drug resistance and difficulties in effectively managing diseases like malaria, which is a significant public health challenge in the country.
During the 43rd annual international conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria at the University of Ibadan, senior medical professionals highlighted these issues. Dr. Michael Obaro, a Consultant Clinical Pharmacologist and Malaria Scientist at the University College Hospital, emphasized the critical problem of drug resistance, pointing out how incomplete medication regimens contribute to this issue.
Dr. Obaro explained that drug resistance not only reduces the effectiveness of treatment but also leads to more severe health complications and higher treatment costs. He mentioned that traditional oral tablets often face challenges such as low patient adherence and inconsistent absorption rates, which can impact treatment outcomes negatively.
To address these challenges, Dr. Obaro underscored the potential benefits of using soft gel capsules as a more effective alternative.
He elaborated on how soft gel capsules offer advantages over conventional tablets and described them as a significant advancement in malaria treatment, promising improved patient adherence and treatment efficacy.
“Soft gel capsules are known for their patient-friendly properties, including a more consistent and effective drug absorption compared to traditional tablets,” he stated.
Abimbola Bowoto, Assistant General Manager of Sales and Marketing at Geneith Pharmaceuticals, commended soft gel capsules for their ease of use, affordability, and suitability for patients across all age groups.
He emphasized that the user-friendly nature of soft gels can significantly enhance patient compliance, especially in malaria treatment where consistent dosing is essential.
