Pharmacovigilance And Medication Adherence Of Oral Hypoglycaemic Agents Used In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) requires long-term OHAs, which is often associated with adverse drug reactions (ADRs) as well as poor compliance. Pharmacovigilance could be an effective tool for detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of these ADRs alongside medication adherence evaluation becomes vital in order to provide a safe and effective care to the patients.

Objectives:  The objectives of this study were to record patient reported ADRs to oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs) in T2DM and to evaluate level medication adherence for the same.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Pharmacology and Medicine, Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Centre, enrolling 380 patients over a period of 18 months.

Results: Total 30 ADRs were reported during the course of this study, out of which fatigue (male- 2.1%, female- 7.1%) was most common ADR occurring with the use of vildagliptin. The status of compliance among enrolled patients was reported as low compliance (male- 32.7%, female- 50.2%).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that there could be a possible relationship of under-reporting of ADRs due to lack of awareness, while poor medication adherence could be linked to long-term pharmacotherapy and lack of understanding regarding compliance importance in disease management