Aim: To assess the pharmacists’ role in the timely identification of actual and potential drug-related problems (DRPs) in the course of drug dispense, in optimizing therapy and in monitoring the acromegaly patients’ condition.
Material and methods: A review of the scientific literature has been performed. A review and analysis of the summary of product characteristics of medicinal products used in patients with acromegaly, the pharmacotherapeutic guidelines and guidelines for the inclusion of the pharmacist in the overall care for acromegaly patients were performed. The review resulting in proposing key steps and an algorithm for integration of community pharmacists into care for patients with acromegaly.
Results: The pharmacist has a crucial role in timely identification of actual and potential DRPs. Possible DRPs among acromegaly patients are adverse drug reaction (ADRs), drug-drug interactions, non-adherence to therapy, wrong application and storage of medicines. Problems related to injection application could be minimized through effective patients’ education about injection technique and regimen. The main ADRs specific for somatostatin analogues (SSA) are digestive problems, hyperglycemia, diabetes, increased levels of liver enzymes. Beta-blockers and antidiabetic medications dose correction is needed due to possible interactions with SSA. The main factors for non-adherence to therapy on which the pharmacist should focus on are adverse effects, lack of symptoms, financial problems, lack of motivation, inappropriate administration and inconvenient route of administration.
Conclusions: The choice of the most appropriate therapy for every patient, the multidisciplinary approach, the active participation of the pharmacist in the identification and prevention of DRPs and long-term monitoring are the keys for achieving the therapeutic goals in acromegaly patients. Read the whole article here.