Drug-related problems experienced by rheumatoid arthritis patients during the first three months of methotrexate use: a longitudinal observational study.

IF 2.6 4区医学 Q2 PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY

International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy Pub Date : 2025-04-03 DOI:10.1007/s11096-025-01904-4

M A M Oude Lansink, S A S Pongers, C L Bekker, D Eikelboom, D F Ten Cate, B J F van den Bemt, V J B Huiskes

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is the cornerstone of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. However, patients using MTX often experience drug-related problems (DRPs), negatively affecting adherence and persistence.

Aim: To identify the number and type of DRPs experienced by RA patients during the first 3 months of MTX treatment.

Method: A longitudinal observational study was conducted in the Sint Maartenskliniek, The Netherlands, between March and August 2023. Adult RA patients were interviewed at 2, 6 and 12 weeks after MTX initiation using the United Kingdom's New Medicines Service interview guide. DRPs were categorized using a classification system for patient-reported DRPs, and analyzed descriptively.

Results: All fifty participants (median age 62 years (IQR 51-68), 66% female) reported a DRP, with a median of 6 (IQR 3-8) DRPs per patient and a total of 301 DRPs. The top 5 most frequently reported DRPs were concerns about (long-term) side-effects, nausea, fatigue, remembering intake and information needs regarding dose instructions. Of the DRPs reported at weeks 2 and 6, 33% were unresolved at week 12.

Conclusion: Patients with RA experience numerous DRPs in the first 3 months of MTX use. Resolving DRPs soon after occurrence may reduce the burden of drug treatment and improve adherence and/or persistence.

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来源期刊

International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY-

CiteScore

4.10

自引率

8.30%

发文量

131

审稿时长

4-8 weeks

期刊介绍： The International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy (IJCP) offers a platform for articles on research in Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Care and related practice-oriented subjects in the pharmaceutical sciences. IJCP is a bi-monthly, international, peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research data, new ideas and discussions on pharmacotherapy and outcome research, clinical pharmacy, pharmacoepidemiology, pharmacoeconomics, the clinical use of medicines, medical devices and laboratory tests, information on medicines and medical devices information, pharmacy services research, medication management, other clinical aspects of pharmacy. IJCP publishes original Research articles, Review articles , Short research reports, Commentaries, book reviews, and Letters to the Editor. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy is affiliated with the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP). ESCP promotes practice and research in Clinical Pharmacy, especially in Europe. The general aim of the society is to advance education, practice and research in Clinical Pharmacy . Until 2010 the journal was called Pharmacy World & Science.