PHARMACOECONOMY: AN INSTRUMENT FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF NEIGHBORHOOD DRUGSTORES

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the basic concepts of pharmacoeconomy (PharmE) and its possible use in neighborhood drugstores as a way of enhancing these establishments financially and competitively. Material and Methods: This is a theoretical study on the basic concepts of PharmE and its use in neighborhood drugstores. Literature searches were performed on the databases: SciELO, Lilacs, IBECS, Medline and Google Scholar, using the keywords "pharmacoeconomics", "health economics" and "pharmacoeconomics and drugstores", in English and Portuguese. We included studies addressing basic definitions and analysis tools as well as experimental work carried out in Brazil using PharmE. Results and discussion: the sale of medicines in drugstores accounts for billions. There has been an increasing establishment and internalization of big pharmacy chains, which makes difficult the market for drugstores known as "neighborhood drugstores”. As these establishments generally have low capital and stock, analysis of PharmE can guide the purchase of more effective, less costly products. In addition, PharmE could drive the reduction of stocks in order to avoid large capital retention in products that would not have rapid commercialization. This would provide an even better orientation for patients, which probably results in increased loyalty. Conclusion: PharmE can be used by neighborhood drugstores for financial organization – purchase and sale of products – as well as for a better pharmaceutical care and customer loyalty. DESCRIPTORS: Economics, Pharmaceutical. Drug Costs. Health Economics.