4CPS-127 Anti-osteoporosis medication in females: assessing the patient’s knowledge

Abstract

BackgroundOsteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterised by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, with the consequent increase in bone fragility and fracture risk. The pharmacotherapy of osteoporosis is complex and its objectives are: improving bone architecture, restoring deficient bone mass, preventing fractures by increasing bone strength, avoiding falls and relieving pain. For effective results it is necessary that patients have good adherence to antiosteoporotic therapy.1 PurposeEvaluating knowledge about medications in females with primary osteoporosis.Material and methodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between May and July 2017 in community pharmacies from a city. Females older than 65 years with primary osteoporosis who presented medical prescriptions with at least four drugs were included in the study after having expressed their written consent. Females with cognitive impairment of perception were not included in the study. Using a questionnaire the patient’s knowledge of drugs was evaluated and they were classified according to the anatomical therapeutic system.ResultsSeventy-five females were included in the study. Their ages ranged from 65 to 85 years; the average age being 71.11. Thirty-eight (50.66%) of them had knowledge of the medication administered. The most commonly prescribed drugs according to their ATC classification were: analgesics (acetaminophen) 38.6%; bisphosphonates (alendronate) 20%; vitamin D 10.6% and salmon calcitonin 10.8%. Females with low education achievement had less knowledge of these drugs than those with an increased level of education (p<0.04).ConclusionThe role of the pharmacist in the pharmacotherapeutic education of the patients is very important. The pharmacist can advise the patient about drugs from prescription medication, how to administer, dosages and solving potential drug therapy problems.Reference and/or Acknowledgements1. Subirelu MS, Călina D, Turcu-Stiolica A. Adherence to biophosphonate therapy in postmenopausal Romanian osteoporotic women with hypertension. ISPOR 21st Annual International Meeting May 21–25, 2016, Washington, Value in Health19(3):A235. Meeting Abstract: PMS61.No conflict of interest