ISSN: 2642-6315
Authors: Berradia A*, Nebia C, Abderrahim M and Latifa H
Biosimilars are similar products, but not identical, to a reference biological drug already approved by the authorities, whose protection certificate has expired. Biosimilars have recently been introduced at Tlemcen University Hospital Center (TUHC). Pharmacy technicians are essential health actors for good distribution and use of biodrugs in particular biosimilars within the TUHC. For this, we have done a study to assess the knowledge of pharmacy technicians on biosimilars as well as their opinion on their efficacy-safety profiles. The data collection was carried out by the distribution of a questionnaire with 12 questions (Figure 1). We have analyzed the questionnaires of the 10 pharmacy technicians who agreed to join our study. More than half of pharmacy technicians could not correctly define a biosimilar. In addition, according to the answers provided, the stages of development and approval of biosimilars are not well known. Continuous training on the topic of biosimilars is necessary in order to raise awareness in this category of the importance of rigorous monitoring of these treatments within the TUHC. Regarding the accessory goal of the questionnaire attributed to pharmacy technicians, to provide their opinions on the efficacy and safety of biosimilars according to their daily professional experience, a large part of pharmacy technicians has expressed a satisfaction with the efficiency and safety of these drugs. However, since a certain category of pharmacy technicians affirms to witness suspicion of side effects of biosimilar treatment without informing the Central Pharmacy, it is imperative to raise awareness of the need to declare them to regional and national pharmacovigilance centers.
Keywords: Biosimilars; Pharmacy technicians; Biological drugs; Pharmacovigilance
