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Published on: February 28, 2012

Utilisation review of clopidogrel: are they used under the FDA-approved indications?

Surachet Niruntraporn1, Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk, Surakit Nathisuwan

  • 1Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.

Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety
|June 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This study reviewed clopidogrel use in Thailand, finding most prescriptions appropriate. However, some patients received clopidogrel without documented aspirin intolerance, highlighting a need for optimized prescribing to improve cardiovascular disease outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • Clopidogrel is a vital medication for patients at high risk of cardiovascular diseases.
  • Its significant acquisition cost and widespread use necessitate a review of prescribing practices.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utilization of clopidogrel based on Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved indications.
  • To assess clopidogrel use in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary-care hospital in Northern Thailand.
  • Medical records of 191 patients who received clopidogrel between January 2005 and February 2006 were reviewed.
  • Descriptive statistics were used to analyze patient characteristics and clopidogrel usage patterns.

Main Results:

  • Clopidogrel use was appropriate in 82.7% of cases, with 72.2% for FDA-approved indications and 10.5% for STEMI.
  • Discrepancies in combination therapy were observed: 22 patients received clopidogrel monotherapy when combination therapy was indicated, and 10 received combination therapy when monotherapy was indicated.
  • 60% of patients on clopidogrel monotherapy lacked documented aspirin intolerance or recurrent events on aspirin.

Conclusions:

  • The majority of clopidogrel prescriptions were appropriate according to FDA indications and medical justification.
  • A notable proportion of patients received clopidogrel monotherapy despite no documented aspirin intolerance, suggesting potential for improved prescribing.
  • Optimizing clopidogrel use is crucial for enhancing patient outcomes in cardiovascular disease management.
Abstract

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