The Hague, 25 January 2023 — Managing symptoms of reflux is the topic of new quick reference guidance for pharmacists published by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) today.
The guidance covers causes of reflux symptoms and experiences of patients, triage, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological management options. “Reflux is common in the community and giving advice on this condition is part of pharmacists’ daily practice. Reflux symptoms can be influenced by lifestyle factors, including diet and body weight, and it is important to consider modifications in risk factors and behaviours that can increase symptom frequency, severity and magnitude,” said Mr Rúben Viegas, FIP practice development and transformation projects coordinator and author of the guidance.
The guidance has been produced as part of FIP’s work to increase the sustainability of health systems through empowering self-care. “Pharmacists can empower patients to make better health choices, to take better control of their own health, and to take responsibility in managing common ailments such as reflux symptoms, reducing the need for unnecessary visits to primary care facilities or emergency.
ABOUT FIP
The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the global federation of national associations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, and is in official relations with the World Health Organization. Through our 153 member organisations, we represent over four million practitioners and scientists around the world. Our vision is a world where everyone benefits from access to safe, effective, quality and affordable medicines and pharmaceutical care. www.fip.org.
In 2022, FIP developed a comprehensive handbook on “Empowering self-care: A handbook for pharmacists”, which includes both policy elements of self-care and practical guidance for pharmacists on key self-care topics. All the resources developed by FIP, including publications and events on self-care topics, can be found here: https://prevention.fip.org/self-care/
