A Need for Pharmacovigilance in OTC Steroid Misuse: Real-World Insights
Jayasri Karthikesan1★★ Corresponding author
- 1Department of Pharmacy Practice, E.G.S. Pillay College of Pharmacy, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu and MoU with Government Medical College and Hospital, Orathur, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.
CORRESPONDENCE
Jayasri Karthikesan
Department of Pharmacy Practice, E.G.S. Pillay College of Pharmacy, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu and MoU with Government Medical College and Hospital, Orathur, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.
Received: 14-04-2025; Revised: 02-06-2025; Accepted: 28-08-2025.
Volume 19, Issue 1 · pp. 137–138 · PUBLISHED · DOI: 10.5530/ijopp.20260450
ABSTRACT
Over-the-Counter (OTC) corticosteroid misuse remains a pressing yet underreported issue in rural India. This letter presents a case of a 70-year-old male who developed iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome complicated by urosepsis and septic shock after prolonged self-medication with dexamethasone. The case underscores the urgent need for enhanced pharmacovigilance systems at the community level, stricter enforcement of Schedule H regulations, and the active involvement of pharmacists in identifying and preventing such adverse drug reactions. Strengthening public awareness and pharmacist-led interventions are vital to curb the inappropriate use of potent corticosteroids.
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Karthikesan, J. (). A Need for Pharmacovigilance in OTC Steroid Misuse: Real-World Insights. Indian Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 19(1), 137–138. https://doi.org/10.5530/ijopp.20260450