Implementation of Pharmacist Driven Gabapentinoid Titration for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in a Primary Care Setting.

Abstract

Previous studies suggest that patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) frequently do not receive the minimum effective doses of a gabapentinoid according to guidance from national organizations. There is opportunity to assess the implementation of pharmacist intervention for patients not meeting minimum effective gabapentinoid dosing for DPN. This prospective, single site quality improvement project was conducted at a primary care clinic and included patients with DPN prescribed a gabapentinoid by their primary care provider (PCP) at a dose lower than minimum effective dosing. Pharmacists assessed patient-reported pain ratings, adverse effects, and renal function for appropriate dosing and titrated to minimum effective dosing based on clinical judgment. All patients that were followed through week 13 had a clinically significant improvement in pain. No patients met a 50% reduction in patient-reported pain rating scales on guidance-directed minimum effective dosing. No patients were able to meet the minimum effective dose. The majority of patients declined pharmacist services due to neuropathy being controlled on the current gabapentinoid dose. This study supports the ability for pharmacists to assess patient specific factors for adequate dosing, titration, and deprescribing recommendations for analgesic medications in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.