The medicines that are handled are different from those industrialized, because they can be prepared directly in the pharmacy, by the pharmaceutical professional, are developed from standardized formulas recognized by Anvisa, or by prescription of a qualified professional, such as the doctor, who is able to establish in detail its composition, dosage and method of use.
This type of medicine can have several purposes, from the treatment of diseases, dietary supplementation or for cosmetic purposes, and has certain benefits, since it contains the active substance in quantities and formulations customized for the person who will use it.
- However.
- This type of medication also has drawbacks.
- As it may be more difficult to inspect by health agencies.
- Usually the remedies that are handled are reliable and effective.
- But this is only guaranteed if the pharmacy follows the practices determined by the Ministry of Health.
- Uses quality raw materials and performs handling processes rigorously and controlled.
According to Anvisa, which is the body responsible for approving the sale of medicines in Brazil, the main differences between manipulated and industrialized medicines are:
They are produced in large quantities in industries, using equipment that produces batches of up to thousands of units;
They are handled according to a prescription and in sufficient quantities only to meet the specific needs of the patient;
They are produced with standardized doses or concentrations;
They are customized, i.e. prescribed and manipulated according to a specific dose or concentration;
They go through quality control throughout the production process, with materials and products analyzed by the drug manufacturer;
They do not undergo quality controls as in the industry.The analysis of raw materials and packaging materials is carried out by suppliers and some tests are redoed in pharmacies;
Manufacturing processes are supervised by qualified pharmaceutical professionals;
Handling processes are supervised by qualified pharmaceutical professionals;
They have standardized packaging. Data on indication, use, side effects, contraindications and conservation care are included in the notice.
Contains labels with information about the pharmacy responsible for handling, date and validity, responsible pharmacist and storage care.It does not contain the package leaflet. The doctor and pharmacist should provide other information, such as how to use it and the effects;
They generally have a longer shelf life because they contain stabilizers and preservatives in their formula;
The validity period is usually that of the patient’s treatment period, as it is made to meet these specific needs;
Industrialized medicines must be registered with the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa).
Handling pharmacies must be registered and inspected by health monitoring services in Brazilian states and municipalities.
Some of the main benefits of drug management include
Thus, if produced with quality, the manipulated drugs can produce the desired effect, with the advantage of being better adapted to the person who uses them, if necessary, to facilitate treatment.
Despite the benefits, manipulated drugs also have some drawbacks, such as:
Therefore, it is very important that before handling a drug, the person must ensure that it is a reliable pharmacy and that it follows the rules of management correctly, to avoid side effects throughout treatment.