Retrospective analysis of the use of painkillers andassessment of the level of knowledge about painkillersamong patients of the Neuroorthopedic Clinic

Pain is a symptom of concern to patients and one of the most common reasons for seeking medical advice.The widespread availability of painkillers can lead to their uncontrolled consumption and drug interactions. Theconsequence is a negative impact on patients' health and increased medical costs.The aim of the work was evaluating the use of OTC drugs in self-medication of pain among patients of the MazovianRehabilitation Center “STOCER” of the Neuroorthopedic Department of the Prof. M. Weiss Hospital in Konstancin-Jeziorna.The main research tool in the study was an anonymous questionnaire conducted among the patients of theNeuroorthopedic Department. The respondents were effectively receiving analgesic treatment as part of their hospitalcare. Participation in the conducted survey was voluntary. The questionnaire concerned the use of medications forno more than 6 months prior to hospital admission. The questionnaire included both single-choice and multiplechoicequestions, thematically related to pain treatment and awareness of the medications used. The surveywas conducted in a group of 60 patients, including 38 women (63%) and 22 men (27%), in the NeuroorthopedicDepartment of the Mazovian Rehabilitation Center “STOCER”. The respondents were in the age range of 18–80 years.The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis.The most used preparations include those containing ibuprofen, paracetamol and ketoprofen. Respondents citeda doctor's advice as the main source of information influencing the choice of treatment used. At the same time, 63%of respondents (38 people) state a significant improvement in controlling pain with over-the-counter medications. All(100%) of respondents declare in the questionnaire the occurrence of adverse symptoms during pharmacotherapy.The most reported events are abdominal pain, diarrhea and drowsiness; 43% (26 people) rate the use of OTC drugsas safe, 30% of respondents (18 people) believe that these drugs are not safe, 27% (16 people) have no opinion.All of respondents (100%) report taking painkillers and have observed side effects. The survey showed that despiteeasy access to painkillers, 57% of patients (34 people) take the opportunity to educate themselves about OTC drugs.In contrast, 43% (26 people) have never used medical advice. It is important to emphasize the role of physiciansand pharmacists in the process of obtaining knowledge about OTC pain medications to increase the safety andeffectiveness of pharmacotherapy.