Mohammad A Y Alqudah1, Sayer Al-Azzam2, Karem Alzoubi2, Mohammad Alkhatatbeh2, Khaldoon Alawneh3, Ola Alazzeh2, Bayan Ababneh2. 1. Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan. maalqudah@just.edu.jo. 2. Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan. 3. Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Following the recommended guidelines is crucial for achieving patient remission in rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of proper drug utilization of antirheumatic drugs on disease activity and drug safety in Jordan. METHODS: In a retrospective cross-sectional study, patient's demographics, clinical variables, drug regimens and side effects were recorded and the 28-joint disease activity scores were calculated. Patients were stratified into high, moderate, low disease activity or remission group. RESULTS: Around 80% of patients were using methotrexate which was under-dosed in 82% of them. Only 25% were using biologic drugs. Surprisingly, only 10% of patients had low disease activity and only 4% were in a remission state. Anaemia (32.3%) and mild renal impairment (27.6%) were the most common side effects. CONCLUSIONS: The low frequency of well-controlled disease activity is interpreted by high occurrence of methotrexate underdosing and biologic agent underprescription. Implementing the role of a clinical pharmacist could have a real impact on tight control of such disease issues in Jordan.
BACKGROUND: Following the recommended guidelines is crucial for achieving patient remission in rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of proper drug utilization of antirheumatic drugs on disease activity and drug safety in Jordan. METHODS: In a retrospective cross-sectional study, patient's demographics, clinical variables, drug regimens and side effects were recorded and the 28-joint disease activity scores were calculated. Patients were stratified into high, moderate, low disease activity or remission group. RESULTS: Around 80% of patients were using methotrexate which was under-dosed in 82% of them. Only 25% were using biologic drugs. Surprisingly, only 10% of patients had low disease activity and only 4% were in a remission state. Anaemia (32.3%) and mild renal impairment (27.6%) were the most common side effects. CONCLUSIONS: The low frequency of well-controlled disease activity is interpreted by high occurrence of methotrexate underdosing and biologic agent underprescription. Implementing the role of a clinical pharmacist could have a real impact on tight control of such disease issues in Jordan.
Authors: Sofia Ramiro; Cécile Gaujoux-Viala; Jackie L Nam; Josef S Smolen; Maya Buch; Laure Gossec; Désirée van der Heijde; Kevin Winthrop; Robert Landewé Journal: Ann Rheum Dis Date: 2014-01-08 Impact factor: 19.103
Authors: C J Edwards; N K Arden; D Fisher; J C Saperia; I Reading; T P Van Staa; C Cooper Journal: Rheumatology (Oxford) Date: 2005-07-19 Impact factor: 7.580
Authors: Jasvinder A Singh; Kenneth G Saag; S Louis Bridges; Elie A Akl; Raveendhara R Bannuru; Matthew C Sullivan; Elizaveta Vaysbrot; Christine McNaughton; Mikala Osani; Robert H Shmerling; Jeffrey R Curtis; Daniel E Furst; Deborah Parks; Arthur Kavanaugh; James O'Dell; Charles King; Amye Leong; Eric L Matteson; John T Schousboe; Barbara Drevlow; Seth Ginsberg; James Grober; E William St Clair; Elizabeth Tindall; Amy S Miller; Timothy McAlindon Journal: Arthritis Rheumatol Date: 2015-11-06 Impact factor: 10.995