Impact of Clinical Pharmacist Interventions in Resolving Drug-Related Problems in Patients with Systemic Autoimmune Disorders

Abstract

Systemic autoimmune disorders are one of the leading causes of death and disability. They include a heterogeneous group of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic vasculitis, scleroderma, psoriasis, and Sjogren’s syndrome that affects multiple organ systems.[1] The pharmacotherapy of systemic autoimmune disorders is rather challenging due to chronic treatment regimens and a higher disease relapse rate.[2] The complex drug regimen is associated with a high risk of drug-related problems (DRPs).[3] As DRPs are becoming one of the major concerns in modern clinical practice, timely identification and their resolution are critical in lowering the therapeutic related harm. Patient satisfaction can be enhanced through drug therapy optimization, reducing economic and iatrogenic burdens.[4]