Suitability of teriparatide and level of acceptance of pharmacotherapeutic recommendations in a healthcare management area

Abstract

ObjectiveTo analyse the suitability of teriparatide prescriptions for osteoporosis treatment in a health management area, as well as the level of acceptance of pharmacotherapeutic recommendations made to physicians. DesignA prospective interventional study conducted from february 2015 to june 2015. SettingSouth Seville Health Management Area. ParticipantsPatients receiving teriparatide. Main measurementsSuitability of teriparatide prescriptions according to Clinical Practice Guidelines and level of acceptance of pharmacotherapeutic recommendations. ResultsTeriparatide prescriptions were unsuitable in 45 patients (68.2%); 11 due to no indication, 17 patients did not have previous treatments with first-line drugs, 6 due to contraindications and 9 patients were treated for more than 24 months with the drug. Besides, 4 prescriptions were unsuitable because of combination with other therapies. The acceptance of pharmacotherapeutic recommendations was 64.4%, leading to teriparatide discontinuation in 21 patients (72.4%), and a switch to alendronate or ibandronate in another 8 patients. ConclusionsA high percentage of teriparatide prescriptions is unsuitable in our health care management area, but it has decreased after pharmacist intervention.