Men encouraged to take active interest in medicines

Atika Islam, pharmacist (left)

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A Rochdale pharmacist is urging local men to take a more active interest in their medicines after research revealed a dramatic gender difference in medicines behaviour.

Atika Islam, pharmacist in the town, said: “New statistics by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) have shown that most men rely on their female partners to stock the household medicine cabinet. Also, more men than women admit their understanding of medicines is poor.” 

As part of National Ask Your Pharmacist Week (5-12 November), pharmacists are encouraging men to take a more active interest in their medicines.

Atika said: “A face-to-face discussion with the pharmacist can be the key to safer and more effective medicine use. Most pharmacies now have consultation areas where you can talk with the pharmacist without being overheard. Plus they are generally accessible and you can pop in without an appointment.”

The NPA survey of 1700 UK adults shows:

• More men than women admit that their understanding of medicines is poor (23.1% against 15.6 women) 
• Men are twice as likely than women to take a new prescription medicine without first reading the patient information leaflet or seeking professional advice (10.9% of men against 5.1 women) 
• A third of men (31%) get their partner to collect their prescription medicines 
• Men tend to rely on their female partners to stock the household medicines cabinet
• Nearly nine in ten men say they don’t like to trouble a doctor or pharmacist unless they have a “serious problem”. 37% of people – men and women - worry about taking time off work to seek professional advice when they are ill.

Atika added: “Thousands of pharmacies nationwide are displaying ‘Two Small Steps for Man’ window posters, encouraging men to step inside the pharmacy and enquire about the free NHS support available.

“The challenge is for pharmacists to spread the message to more men about the benefits of using medicines properly and make them aware of the free, professional advice and support available.”