Document Type : Original research
Author
Department of Pharmacy, Azadi Teaching Hospital, Kirkuk, Iraq.
Abstract
Background: Omega-3 fatty acid products are available as dietary supplements (fish oils) and prescription formulations
(omega-3 ethyl ester, icosapent ethyl, omega-3 ethyl ester A, omega-3 carboxylic acids). The study aimed to learn more
about the prevalence of dietary supplement and prescription omega-3 products use by Iraqi consumers in Kirkuk City, to
record the types of products used and to examine the role of physicians and pharmacists in guiding choices about these
products.
Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among pharmacists concerning dispensing the
prescription only medicine (POM) and over the counter (OTC) omega-3 products. Ninety-three filled questionnaires
were received from pharmacies in Kirkuk city.
Results: Over 6 months, 43 patients from 93 (46.2%) were dispensed fish oil supplementations by prescription, and
50 patients from 93 (53.7%) were dispensed fish oil preparation without prescription. The nonprescription users were
younger (32.92 vs. 44.41 years old) and more often female (63% vs. 58%) compared to prescription users. 44% of the
OTC group purchased omega-3 as a dietary supplement, 20% used it for hair loss, 14% for treating hypertriglyceridemia,
0.08% for improving memory function, and 0.02% for pregnancy care. All the products supplied to customers for various
indications either by prescription or as an OTC were dietary supplements.
Conclusion: Healthcare providers and consumers need to distinguish the differences between prescription omega-3
products and nonprescription omega-3 dietary supplements to ensure the appropriate use of each product.
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