The “Achilles Heel” of the International Nonproprietary Names (INN) Programme. In Hypertensive Patients of Mexico’s Rural Population

摘要

Problem: In Mexico many public health programs, have been designed to give attention in rural populations. Not even the most effective program will work, if the patient does not take their prescripted medication properly. Patient compliance can be defined a taking medication as prescribed. The INN is very effective among health care professionals, but for patients in Mexico represents an obstacle to identify and remember their treatment. Nearly 80% of the patients in rural communities in Mexico ignore the name of their treatment. In Mexico 97% of hypertense patients are interested in remembering the name of their treatment [1]. 65% considered that the name of the drug in INN nomenclature is too complex to remember [1]. 90% of them suggested that if their drug had a simple symbol or nomenclature they could remember their treatment [1]. This could mean that INN could be an obstacle to treatment adherence, and could increase their costs. Suggested Solution: An additional symbol nomenclature: animals, fruits or geometrical figures. An equivalent of INN with symbolic figure in the drug box and in the tablet or capsule, could simplify INN for the patients. With this the hypertensive patients could identify their treatment, this could improve treatment adherence, decrease treatment switching phenomenon.