Overview of look-alike sound-alike (LASA) drug storage in several pharmacies in Magelang City
Keywords:
Drug storage, LASA, Medicine, Pharmaceutical care, PharmacyAbstract
Look-Alike Sound-Alike (LASA) medications pose a significant risk for medication errors, particularly in community pharmacy settings where storage and labeling practices greatly influence patient safety. This study aims to evaluate LASA drug storage practices in several pharmacies in Magelang City, focusing on adherence to safety guidelines, labeling consistency, and storage organization. A total of eleven pharmacies were assessed through observations, interviews, and surveys to analyze storage conditions and identify common issues. The findings show that most pharmacies fall within the “adequate” category, with only one pharmacy meeting the “good” criteria, while four others were categorized as “poor.” The percentage of LASA drugs based on sound-alike names, similar packaging, and identical names with different strengths varied widely across pharmacies, indicating inconsistent storage and risk prevention strategies. Common issues identified include inconsistent labeling, inadequate temperature control, and limited staff training on LASA risk management. These findings align with previous studies reporting similar challenges in both hospital and community settings. The study highlights the urgent need for improved storage protocols, routine audits, implementation of technological tools such as barcode scanning, and continuous staff training to minimize LASA-related medication errors. Strengthening interprofessional collaboration and standardizing LASA management guidelines are essential to enhance patient safety. Further research across broader regions is recommended to develop comprehensive, evidence-based policies for LASA drug handling in community pharmacies.
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