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Over-the-counter β2-agonist purchase versus script: a cross-sectional study
Jo A Douglass1, Dianne P Goeman, Edwina A McCarthy
1Department of Allergy, Immunology & Respiratory Medicine, The Alfred Hospital & Monash University, Commercial Rd., Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia. j.douglass@alfred.org.au
Respiratory Medicine
|November 2, 2011
Summary
Purchasing short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) without a prescription in Australia did not lead to worse asthma outcomes. Many patients reported asthma symptoms, but this was not linked to adherence with anti-inflammatory asthma medications.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- In Australia, short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) are available without a prescription, unlike anti-inflammatory asthma medications.
- Previous associations suggest that SABA-only purchasing may correlate with poorer asthma control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare asthma outcomes between individuals purchasing SABAs with and without a doctor's prescription.
- To investigate the relationship between SABA purchasing patterns and asthma control, lung function, and medication adherence.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 316 adults recruited from 43 pharmacies in Victoria, Australia.
- Participants completed spirometry and questionnaires assessing respiratory health, asthma control, quality of life, and medication adherence.
- Regression analyses were conducted, accounting for pharmacy-based clustering.
Main Results:
- Purchase of SABAs without a prescription was not linked to adverse asthma outcomes or reduced lung function.
- Only 20% of participants achieved well-controlled asthma (Asthma Control Questionnaire score < 0.75).
- A significant portion of participants (15%) had reduced lung function (FEV(1) < 80%) and did not possess anti-inflammatory medication.
Conclusions:
- Acquiring SABAs without a prescription does not appear to negatively impact asthma outcomes in the Australian context.
- Reported asthma symptoms did not correlate with adherence to prescribed anti-inflammatory asthma medications, indicating a potential gap in asthma management.
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