Examination of How Pharmacists are Involved in Improving Medication Adherence for Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

抄録

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an intractable inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, with no effective radical cure. The treatment is centered on drug therapy. The first-line drug for the induction and maintenance of remission in mild to moderate UC is 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). The goal of treatment is to maintain long-term remission by selecting a suitable treatment method based on the pathological condition and symptom control. Patient adherence is considered an important factor in improving the therapeutic effect for maintaining remission. Therefore, to examine the patient approach and medication guidance measures taken by pharmacists to improve medication adherence, we explained the current status of compliance of patients receiving 5-ASA medication and requirements for pharmacists to take necessary actions. An attitude survey was also conducted. Responses were obtained from all 32 patients prescribed with oral 5-ASA medication. Incomplete adherence was observed in 19 patients, accounting for more than half of the patients. Factors that influence medication adherence may be related to patient age. In addition, more than half of patients with incomplete medication adherence preferred a single daily dose before or after breakfast. Half of the patients (n=16) reported that they had received a request for treatment from a pharmacist. The most selected item was the continuous administration of medication observed in 9 patients (60.0 %), whereas the number of medication advice, provided to 8 patients (50.0 %), was ranked second. The pharmacist's approach to improving medication adherence in patients with UC ensures continuous management and guidance of medication, and plays the role of a family pharmacist and pharmacies in providing the required patient care. The most suitable drug is selected according to the number of doses and the duration of administration depending on the stage and lifestyle of the patient. Therefore, it was considered important to make proactive prescription proposals to doctors. In particular, attention should be paid to young patients requiring long-term continuous administration of medication.