Laboratories will produce medications in fractional doses

Rosamélia de Abreu

Reporter - Agência Brasil

Brasília - Beginning next year, Brazilian consumers will be able to enter the pharmacy and buy medicines in fractional doses, in other words, in the exact quantity prescribed by doctors. So far 15 laboratories from around the country have requested authorization from the National Sanitary Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) to produce and sell medications in fractional doses. Two laboratories have already received the authorization.

According to the Anvisa general manager of medications, Paulo Santa Rosa, laboratories and pharmacies are gearing up to produce and sell medicine in fractional doses. "At present two industries have already got listings for medicines in fractional doses. Other laboratories are getting ready, modifying their industrial process, and registering medications capable of being sold in fractional doses," he informed.

Besides saving money, one of the advantages of making medications available in fractional doses is a reduction in the rate of self-medication among consumers.

Data from the World Health Organization suggest that 40% of the poisoning cases that appear at hospital emergency wards are victims of medications. Santa Rosa emphasizes that the Rational Use of Medications program was launched by the Anvisa to curb self-medication.

Translation: David Silberstein