Drug Utilization patterns and medication adherence in the management of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is a continuing, systemic autoimmune disorder characterised by persistent joint inflammation leading to cartilage destruction, bone erosion, and functional disability. Optimal disease management depends on appropriate drug utilisation, rational prescribing, and sustained medication adherence. To assess the drug utilisation patterns, combination therapy tendencies, and adverse drug reactions among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and to assess adherence to pharmacological management methods.

Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional study done at a tertiary care hospital in India. The study was done on the drug utilization pattern among 120 patients suffering from arthritis, aged between 18 and 80 years. The study was done for a period of one year. The study was done using Case Record Forms. The study was analyzed using SPSS software version 27. Student’s t-test and Chi-square test were done at a p-value of <0.05.

Results: The majority of patients were female (67.5%) and belonged to the 36–50 years age group (45%). Oral administration was the most common route (95%). Preferential COX-2 inhibitors such as diclofenac (33.3%) and aceclofenac (30.3%) were the most prescribed NSAIDs. Among DMARDs, methotrexate monotherapy (23.2%) was frequent, while combination therapy (59.7%) dominated overall. The use of calcium, vitamin D, and multivitamins was notable as supportive therapy. Adverse drug reactions occurred in 21.9% of patients, mainly presenting as gastric discomfort (12.2%) and mild gastrointestinal complaints.

Conclusion: The study concluded that oral medications, preferential COX-2 inhibitors, and combination DMARD regimens constitute the predominant therapeutic approaches in arthritis care, guided by their efficacy and clinical acceptance.