Popular medications in post-soviet space, which are not endorsed by western guidelines: knowledge, beliefs, and attitude toward them among physicians, pharmacists, and general population

Abstract

Background: Viferon, Hylak Forte, and Ceraxon (VHC) are commonly used in post-soviet space and recommended by Kazakhstan clinical guidelines. However, they are not mentioned in Western guidelines. Viferon contains interferon, and is given in oral, rectal, and topical form; Hylak Forte contains metabolites of Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus helveticus; and Ceraxon is citikoline sodium, which is an intermediate in the synthesis of phospholipids and is supposed to be neuroprotective. Aim: to investigate practice, attitude, and level of knowledge of the efficacy of VHC among physicians, pharmacists, and general population of post-soviet countries with the main focus on Kazakhstan. Methods: Online-survey was conducted among three target groups of population: physicians (N=174), pharmacists (N=28), and patients (N=124). Chi-square test was used to find associations between sociodemographic data and knowledge, attitude, and practice. Interviews was conducted among 6 physicians and 2 pharmacists. Results and conclusions: Although most of physicians and pharmacists have prescribed or recommended VHC, knowledge of their ingredients and indications is low. There are a lot of doubts about VHC among all three groups of respondents. English language acquisition was associated with more doubts about these products.