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Adherence with epinephrine autoinjector prescriptions in primary care
Elissa M Abrams1, Alexander G Singer2, Lisa Lix3
1Department of Pediatrics, Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Manitoba, FE125-685 William Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0Z2 Canada.
Summary
Many epinephrine autoinjector (EA) prescriptions are not filled by patients in Canadian primary care. This highlights a critical gap in anaphylaxis preparedness, emphasizing the need for better patient education on EA importance.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
- Anaphylaxis Management
Background:
- Primary adherence to epinephrine autoinjector (EA) prescriptions is crucial for managing anaphylaxis.
- Estimating EA prescription adherence in Canadian primary care settings is essential for public health.
- Understanding adherence rates informs strategies to improve patient access to life-saving medication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the primary adherence rate for epinephrine autoinjector (EA) prescriptions in Canadian primary care.
- To identify predictors associated with the non-dispensation of new EA prescriptions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of electronic medical record and administrative data.
- Definition of primary adherence as EA prescription dispensation within 90 days of being written.
- Utilized multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of EA prescription filling.
Main Results:
- Only 69.9% of 1212 epinephrine autoinjector (EA) prescriptions were filled between 2012 and 2014.
- A higher number of prescriptions for non-EA medications correlated with an increased likelihood of not filling an EA prescription.
- This study represents the first examination of EA prescription adherence in Canada.
Conclusions:
- A significant rate of non-adherence to epinephrine autoinjector (EA) prescriptions was observed in Canadian primary care.
- The identified non-adherence rate exceeds previously reported figures, suggesting widespread issues with EA prescription fulfillment.
- Consistent patient education on the importance of filling EA prescriptions and maintaining EA availability is recommended for individuals at risk of anaphylaxis.
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