Class duplication prescriptions in patients taking fixed-dose combination antihypertensives
10.24304/kjcp.2022.32.2.125
- Author:
Hyunji KOO
1
;
Ji Won LEE
;
Ha Eun CHOI
;
Nam Kyung JE
;
Kyeong Hye JEONG
Author Information
1. College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
2022;32(2):125-132
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Fixed-dose combinations have the advantage of improving patient compliance, but may increase the risk of duplicate prescriptions. As the use of fixed-dose combination antihypertensives increases, it is necessary to investigate the current status of class duplication prescriptions (CDP) in patients taking fixed-dose combination antihypertensives in Korea and to identify factors associated with CDP.
Methods:We conducted a retrospective observational study using nationally representative claim data. Hypertensive patients aged 20 years or older taking fixed-dose combination antihypertensives were extracted. Among these patients, patients with CDP were identified. A chi-square test was applied to determine the differences between patients with CDP and nonCDP. The associated factors of CDP were identified through multiple logistic regression.
Results:Of the 74,165 patients who were prescribed fixed-dose combination antihypertensives, 426 patients (0.6%) with CDP were identified. The most common antihypertensive class associated with CDP was calcium channel blockers (194 patients, 45.5%), followed by angiotensin II receptor blockers (136 patients, 31.9%). Patients aged 75 years or older (odds ratio [OR] 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-3.52), chronic kidney disease (OR 4.45, 95% CI 2.15-8.25), chronic heart failure (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.93-3.72), coronary artery disease (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.60-3.03) and Medical Aid/Patriots and Veterans Insurance (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.04-2.07) were significantly associated with increased CDP.
Conclusions:The factors associated with CDP were the elderly, comorbidities, and low socioeconomic status. Since CDP can result in negative clinical outcomes, active intervention by the pharmacist is warranted.
