French-language version of Problem Drugs now available
This version includes new chapter annexes of information
from Francophone African countries
Health Action International (HAI) Africa* and Le Réseau Médicaments et Développement (ReMeD) are pleased to announce the publication of the French-language version of the widely acclaimed book, Problem Drugs, by Andrew Chetley (Amsterdam: HAI, 1995).
In 1997, HAI and ReMeD agreed that a French version of the book, updated with information from and about medicines use in Francophone Africa, would be a valuable education and advocacy tool for our partners and contacts in that region. ReMeD commissioned the addition of "Francophone Contexts" for the majority of the original chapters. These chapter annexes provide new information and Francophone perspectives to the challenges of problem drugs.
English-language brand names of drugs were adapted, as appropriate, to the names commonly used in France and Francophone Africa.
According to Chetley:
"Every drug has risks.The problem is not a few hazardous drugs promoted by one or two wayward companies in the pharmaceutical industry. It is an inevitable result of the way in which the pharmaceutical market is structured and operates. What makes a drug a problem is not so much its inherent pharmacological risks, but the way it is prescribed and used."
In this carefully documented analysis, the author covers a wide range of the most overused and misused medicines, including antidiarrhoeals, antibiotics, analgesics, growth stimulants, cough and cold remedies, vitamin supplements, drugs in pregnancy and contraceptives.
· The book contains special sections that focus on children, women and the elderly.
· It highlights examples of the pharmaceutical industry's unethical marketing, double standards and failure to meet real medical needs.
· It outlines how problems with medicines often begin with the prescriber, who overprescribes more drugs than are needed or prescribes drugs in dangerous combinations, and with consumers, who mistakenly insist on certain drugs or drug combinations in order to feel as though they have been treated.
· Each chapter includes a section of positive steps that will reduce the misuse and overuse of drugs and clear recommendations for action.
This unique and important book will help transform the thinking and practices of health workers, pharmacists, health policy makers, medical students, consumers and media in Francophone Africa.
Individual requests (one copy per person) cost US$20 or Euro20 (excluding postage).
Please contact HAI Europe for additional ordering information and details on free copies for those working in developing countries.