Pharmacists Role in Deprescribing Medications in An Adult with End-Stage Kidney Disease

Purpose: Individuals diagnosed with End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) have multiple comorbidities and require many medications. Alterations in renal function, coupled with pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes in individuals with increasing age, can result in adverse drug effects. The purpose of this case is to demonstrate how interventions recommended by a clinical pharmacist improved medication safety for a patient with ESKD. Case: A 55-year-old male with a past medical history of ESKD, peripheral artery disease, chronic heart failure, cirrhosis, and major depressive disorder had a clinical pharmacist-led medication review. During the review, the clinical pharmacist identified several medications (i.e., bumetanide, metolazone, spironolactone, rivaroxaban) that should be discontinued since the patient had no urinary flow output and was on dialysis. Before the recommendations were addressed, the patient experienced retinal hemorrhaging, which may have been a rivaroxaban-associated adverse drug reaction. After addressing the retinal hemorrhaging, the physician discontinued the rivaroxaban and initiated clopidogrel. Additionally, both bumetanide and metolazone were discontinued. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that clinical pharmacists can have a significant role in medication therapy management and medication safety, especially in patients with ESKD. Healthcare providers with patients with ESKD on dialysis can greatly benefit from consulting with a clinical pharmacist who can evaluate all medications for safety and efficacy.