Supply Of Medicine In UK And Misuses Of Drug Act: Pharmaceuticals Assessment Answer

Answer :

Pharmaceuticals

Task 1

Answer 1

The Medicines Act of 1968 has listed the medicines into three classes and these are Prescription only medicines (POM), pharmacy medicines (P) and general sales list medicines (GSL). 

One example of Prescription only drug in UK is Ciproxin which is an antibiotic. It is used for treating bacterial infections of the human body. The POM are those products which are supplied and sold only from the licensed pharmacies according to the prescription given by authorised health practitioners only. Mostly, the medicines used for the treatment of high blood pressure and antibiotics are classified as POM. These drugs are classified as POM in order to stop substance abuse, practicing medicines without sufficient education and license. Taking these medicines without prescription can have adverse health impacts on the individuals.

One example of pharmacy medicines is codeine phosphate. This medicine is used for treating pain which is not relieved by medicines like ibuprofen, paracetamol or aspirin. The pharmacy medicines are the drugs which are sold only in pharmacies. The pharmacist is responsible to ensure that this medicine is appropriate for the individual. When such a medicine is ordered the pharmacists asks some questions to check that the medicine is appropriate and safe according to Carney, et al. (2018). They are classified as P medicines as misuse or overdose of such medicines can cause health problems. These medicines can also addiction in the individuals hence they are classified as p-medicines.

One example of general sales list is antihistamines used for treating hayfever. These are classified in general sales as this is an easily recognizable ailment and this health condition does not last for long as suggested by van Eikenhorst, Salema, & Anderson, (2017). In addition to there are few side effects in its normal use. 

Answer 2

In United Kingdom the illegal drugs are classified into three distinct class and these are A, B and C. Possession of these drugs can attract imprisonment and punishment. 

Class A drug example is heroin. This drug is classified in this class as this causes addiction. The misuse of this drug can lead to infections of heart and skin, higher risk of AIDS, collapsing of veins, miscarriage etc.

Class B drug example is cannabis. This drug is put into this class as it causes addiction and many serious health effects on an individual. It has been found to alter the development of brain, cognitive impairment, chronic bronchitis, chronic psychotic disorders etc as pointed out by Volkow, et al (2014). 

Class C drug example is Valium. This can lead to sleep problems, depression, hallucinations, seizures, persistent drowsiness, confusion, memory loss, fatigue, dizziness, blood in stool or urine, depression, anxiety and tremors in a person. Because of these adverse health effects this drug is classified under this class and the possession or supply of this drug will attract legal punishment and two years of imprisonment in United Kingdom.

Task 2

Answer 1

An individual taking alcohol regularly can have short and long term impacts on his body and mind. The regular use of this legal social drug can lead to adverse physical and mental effects and this can impair the social well-being of this person. The physical effect of this drug on regular use are irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, stroke, loss of memory, reduce gray and white matter in brain, reduce attention span, difficulty in hearing, alcoholic hepatitis, steatosis or fatty liver, liver fibrosis, cancer of mouth, liver, esophagus, throat or larynx and cardiomyopathy according to Rehm, (2011).

The drug has effects on the mind of this individual as this drug act like a depressant to the central nervous system. Functions like thought, speech, breathing, movement and memory can be affected by its consumption. There can be mood changes, relaxation, slowed reaction time, trouble remembering, confusion, impaired judgement and loss of consciousness. It can also lead to major depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia etc.

Regular use of alcohol affects the life of this individual and his family according to Setlalentoa, et al (2010). He can become anti-social and violent behaviour creating problems for others. Further, it can lead to conflicts as personal relationships are subjected to more arguments. At the workplace, he can exhibit poor performance, absenteeism and can cause road accidents affecting the lives of the other adversely. 

Answer 2

An individual taking heroine on a regular basis can have adverse effects not only his body but also the whole society. This drug is a highly addictive drug. This opioid drug misuse lead to repercussions is stretched to the society beyond this person. The health effects of this drug are fetal effect, hepatitis, AIDS etc as suggested by Fox, Oliver, & Ellis, (2013). 

This individual can involve in criminal activity and violent behavior at workplace and in family. The education achievement of this individual can suffer because of the impact of this drug on his mind and body. There can be disruptions in the family because of the violent behavior and heated arguments. There can be increased frequency of hospitalization as a result of adverse health impacts according to Marienfeld, (2016). 

At the workplace, the productivity of this individual can decrease leading to poor performance. There can be reduce participation at work, premature mortality, increased hospitalization and absenteeism. Apart from it, the rates of crimes also increases because of the use of this drug.  Drugged driving also has severe consequences with the society as people can die in road accidents or can be severely affected. 

The behavior of this altered with the use of this drug and this will impact his social relations as well as his personal relations in his family. The people related to him can suffer from his altered behavior and hence there can be conflicting situations creating troubles for all the people. The use of this drug also causes him to neglect his family and children and this can have adverse effects on the children on the growing age. 

The misuse of this drug is therefore has detrimental impacts on the individual and the society. Thus, the supply and possession of this drug must be controlled by the government for protecting the individuals and the societies against its harms.