Three New Studies Published Examining Drug Overuse, Under-Use and Effectiveness of Drug Therapy Monitoring
New edition of the Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy just released containing fresh research results on medication use. Visit amcp. org and click on JMCP for access to these articles.
(PRWEB) May 23, 2003
Alexandria, Va., May 19, 2003— The May-June issue of the Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy (JMCP) was released today, both in print and electronically. A publication of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), the journal is a peer-reviewed publication that publishes original research of interest to pharmacy practitioners and health care providers. Among the featured articles for the May-June issue are:
--OxyContin Patients DonÂ’t Take Painkillers as DirectedÂ
A recent survey found that OxyContin (oxycodone hydrochloride controlled-release) patients used, on average, 22 mg per day additional oral morphine equivalents than patients using the Duragesic patch (fentanyl transdermal) to control pain. The research went beyond the use of prescription drug claims to survey patients with nonmalignant pain to determine how these patients actually used these two drugs. The authors concluded that neither medication appears to be used in a manner consistent with standard recommendations in the package insert. This is the first study of patient-reported utilization patterns, including dosage and dose intervals.
--Analysis of Drug-Use Patterns Suggests Overuse of Antibiotics and Under-Use of Drugs for Asthma, Depression and Heart FailureÂ
Examination of administrative claims data from three California health plans suggests that antibiotics are overused for the common cold and that drugs to treat asthma, depression and heart failure are under-used. For example, only 55% of patients diagnosed with congestive heart failure received an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor as recommended in treatment guidelines, while only 28% of antidepressant drug users received the recommended six months of continuous therapy.
--Management of Cholesterol Levels by Pharmacists Achieved Larger Reductions in LDL Levels Than Usual CareÂ
By employing pharmacists to monitor and adjust drug therapy and counsel patients in a “lipid clinic” setting, a study in a Veterans Affairs medical center found that clinical pharmacist management of cholesterol was associated with a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) reduction 5% to 22% greater than with usual care.
The Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy is published bi-monthly, and is received by all members of the Academy as a benefit of membership. Non-members may obtain copies of the publication by downloading articles of interest from the JournalÂ’s website at http://www. amcp. org/jmcp/vol9/num3/index. pdf (http://www. amcp. org/jmcp/vol9/num3/index. pdf). Questions about the publication may be directed to Frederic R. Curtiss, Ph. D., editor in chief.
The Academy of Managed Care PharmacyÂ’s mission is to empower its members to serve society by using sound medication management principles and strategies to achieve positive patient outcomes. AMCP has more than 4,800 members nationally who provide comprehensive coverage and services to the more than 200 million Americans served by managed care. More news and information about AMCP can be obtained on their website, at www. amcp. org.
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