Pharmacists’ Perspectives of Biosimilars: A Systematic Review

Sani, Noraisyah Mohd; Aziz, Zoriah; Panickar, Rema; Kamarulzaman, Adeeba

doi:10.1007/s40259-022-00541-x

Cited by 7 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 60 publications

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“…Although most pharmacists were in favour of the use of biosimilars, our findings reveal pharmacists lacked training, knowledge, and confidence especially on the use for indications approved based on extrapolation. This is consistent with findings from a systematic review of pharmacists’ perspectives on biosimilars [ 12 ]. We also identified multiple factors associated with the successful promotion of biosimilars to prescribers, which were age, training, experience, awareness of the availability of biosimilars, knowledge, and confidence.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

“…The perspectives of biosimilars among pharmacists and physicians were almost the same in terms of automatic-substitution and switching. Two published systematic reviews involving pharmacists [ 12 ] and physicians [ 13 ] showed both groups were mostly against automatic-substitution by pharmacists. Similarly, the acceptability of switching from the originator to a biosimilar also ranged widely among pharmacists (26.0–84.0%) [ 12 ], and physicians (7.5–91.0%) [ 13 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Two published systematic reviews involving pharmacists [ 12 ] and physicians [ 13 ] showed both groups were mostly against automatic-substitution by pharmacists. Similarly, the acceptability of switching from the originator to a biosimilar also ranged widely among pharmacists (26.0–84.0%) [ 12 ], and physicians (7.5–91.0%) [ 13 ]. Reservations about switching patients from an originator to a biosimilar could stem from concerns regarding biosimilars’ efficacy, safety, immunogenicity and issues with interchangeability, and indication extrapolation [ 14 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Malaysian Hospital Pharmacists’ Perspectives and Their Role in Promoting Biosimilar Prescribing: A Nationwide Survey

2022

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Background With the increasing availability biosimilars, the role of pharmacists as drug information specialists has expanded to include promoting biosimilar acceptance among prescribers. Objectives Our study aimed to determine Malaysian hospital pharmacists’ perspectives on biosimilars and to identify factors influencing the successful promotion of biosimilars to prescribers. Methods This was a cross-sectional, web-based survey of hospital pharmacists across Malaysia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with pharmacists successfully promoting biosimilar use. Results Of the 913 responses, over 60% of pharmacists believed that patients may safely be switched from the originator product to a biosimilar and would have the same clinical outcome. Many lacked training in biosimilars (62.8%); yet most (80.6%) perceived pharmacists to play a critical role in promoting biosimilar prescribing. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the strongest factor associated with pharmacists’ successful promotion of biosimilars to prescribers was having confidence (odds ratio [OR], 3.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.10–5.26). Respondents who had prior experience handling biosimilars were more likely to be successful in promoting biosimilar use than those without (OR, 1.76; 95% CI 1.16–2.66). The pharmacists’ top perceived barrier to promote biosimilars in clinical practice was efficacy concerns. Conclusion Although Malaysian pharmacists are in favour of biosimilars, they lack training to promote biosimilar use. Among the factors associated with successful promotion of biosimilars to prescribers are pharmacist confidence, their previous experience handling biosimilars, and prior biosimilar training. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40259-022-00571-5.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Malaysian Hospital Pharmacists’ Perspectives and Their Role in Promoting Biosimilar Prescribing: A Nationwide Survey

2022

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“…15,24 A recent systematic review showed different levels of pharmacists' knowledge ranging between 47% and 86%, with lower scores among participants in settings similar to Lebanon. 15 Distrust and more deficient knowledge were reported among Greek pharmacists during the economic crisis in Greece, 24 which could also reflect the Lebanese scenario. In contrast, a cross-sectional study performed in Pakistan reported relatively higher knowledge among pharmacists, 25 possibly due to the frequent use of biosimilars in clinical settings and the continuous training of medical staff.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of community pharmacists’ knowledge of the differences between generic drugs and biosimilars: A pilot cross-sectional study

Awada

Sayah

Mansour

et al. 2023

The Journal of Medicine Access

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Background: Pharmacists’ knowledge of the differences in the characteristics between generic drugs and biosimilars is essential to ensure good practice and lower pharmaceutical bills. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate community pharmacists’ knowledge and perception of using and substituting biosimilars and generic drugs. Design: A pilot cross-sectional study was performed over 2 months (August-September 2022) targeting community pharmacists in their work site. Method: Data were collected using a uniform survey given to 75 pharmacists. Afterward, a knowledge score was generated by summing several individual scores of statements regarding generic drugs and biosimilars. Results: Overall, pharmacists had moderate to low knowledge scores, namely, with the statements tackling biosimilars. No significance was reported between these scores and their general characteristics. As regards their substitution, most pharmacists agreed to substitute generic drugs if the brand was not available, while the doctor’s approval was crucial for biosimilar switching. Most participants perceived equal effectiveness of generic drugs but similar to a lower one for biosimilars compared to the reference medication. Pharmacists highlighted the need to include generic drugs and biosimilars in the continuing education program and workshops. Conclusion: To promote their use, improving pharmacists’ knowledge can help overcome misconceptions about generic drugs and biosimilars. It is recommended that health care stakeholders focus on fostering good understanding among pharmacists to enhance access to medication.

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“…Recent research also showed that some pharmacists have concerns about their knowledge and ability to educate patients about an adalimumab biosimilar early in the transition (12). A need for biosimilar education that does not interfere with daily work priorities was also reported in another study (13). Biosimilar transitions are becoming more frequent, but research has yet to explore prescribers', specialist nurses,' and pharmacists' experiences with the process of transitioning patients.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Health Care Providers’ Experiences of a Mandatory Nationwide Transition to an Adalimumab Biosimilar

Gasteiger,

Lobo,

Wong

et al. 2023

ACR Open Rheumatology

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ObjectiveTransitioning patients to biosimilars has become common to reduce costs and improve access. However, it is unclear how the transition process impacts health care providers at the frontline of the brand change. This study explores health care providers’ experiences of a mandatory brand change to an adalimumab biosimilar.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted in Aotearoa New Zealand with 164 providers involved in the nationwide adalimumab brand change. Rheumatologists (n = 39), rheumatology nurses (n = 16), and pharmacists (n = 109) completed a survey that assessed their satisfaction with logistics and supply, information and education, support, and administrative workload and reported what did and did not go well during the transition.ResultsThe mean satisfaction score (0‐10) with the transition was 5.7 (SD = 2.6). Providers were the least satisfied with training for the biosimilar device, information from government agencies, and administrative workload during the transition. Satisfaction with adalimumab safety, efficacy and device quality, and the availability of sharps bins, alcohol wipes, and patient support was lower following the transition. Satisfaction with administrative workload (B = 0.37, P < 0.001) and training for the device (B = 0.20, P = 0.020) predicted overall satisfaction. Providers reported that a poorly implemented initial authorization process, loss of a patient support program, and insufficient communication between providers complicated the transition. The citrate‐free preservative and longer authorization duration after the transition were viewed positively.ConclusionProviders experienced an increased workload and reported less satisfaction with the biosimilar following the transition. Experiences may be improved by ensuring training for the device, a high‐quality patient support program, and functioning authorization processes throughout the transition.

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Pharmacists’ Perspectives of Biosimilars: A Systematic Review

Cited by 7 publications

References 60 publications

Malaysian Hospital Pharmacists’ Perspectives and Their Role in Promoting Biosimilar Prescribing: A Nationwide Survey

Malaysian Hospital Pharmacists’ Perspectives and Their Role in Promoting Biosimilar Prescribing: A Nationwide Survey

Assessment of community pharmacists’ knowledge of the differences between generic drugs and biosimilars: A pilot cross-sectional study

Health Care Providers’ Experiences of a Mandatory Nationwide Transition to an Adalimumab Biosimilar

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