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Medication persistence among patients with asthma/COPD drugs
Dan Haupt1, Kristin Krigsman, J Lars G Nilsson
1Health Sciences, Luleå Tecnical University, 971 87 Lulea, Sweden.
Pharmacy World & Science : PWS
|February 6, 2008
Summary
Most asthma/COPD patients, especially younger ones, used their medications sporadically. This suggests potential undermedication, which could negatively impact treatment outcomes for respiratory conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacoeconomics
- Respiratory Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Asthma and COPD are significant respiratory conditions requiring consistent medication adherence.
- Understanding medication possession ratio (MPR) is crucial for assessing treatment effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the medication possession ratio (MPR) for patients prescribed asthma/COPD medications.
- To identify patterns of drug acquisition and adherence in a patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Utilized pharmacy record data from 2000-2004 for patients aged 20+ with asthma/COPD drugs (ATC code R03).
- Calculated MPR as the percentage of time patients had available medication.
- Analyzed adherence based on overall drug volume and specific steroid/combination inhalers.
Main Results:
- 1,812 patients were included; 51% acquired asthma/COPD drugs less than annually.
- Only 13% of patients had continuous access to steroids/combinations.
- Adherence (MPR ≥ 80%) was low, particularly for younger adults (20-29 years) and steroid-based treatments.
Conclusions:
- A majority of patients, especially younger individuals, demonstrated sporadic use of asthma/COPD medications.
- This pattern suggests potential undermedication, which may adversely affect patient outcomes.
- Interventions to improve medication adherence are likely needed for this population.
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