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Study: Patients perceived DMARDs as strong medications with ‘alarming’ side effects
Patients perceived disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or DMARDs, as strong medications with “alarming” side effects, according to a recently published study.
“Although medications play an important role in the management of inflammatory arthritis, we need to acknowledge that they are not easy to take,” Ayano Kelly, MBBS, FRACP, from Australian National University, told Healio Rheumatology. “By understanding the patients' perspectives, health professionals can be better equipped to help improve the experience of medication taking and support patients to use medications, when appropriate, to achieve their goals.”
Researchers performed a qualitative systematic review of 56 studies to assess 1,383 patients. Of these patients, 1,149 had rheumatoid arthritis; 191 had spondyloarthritis; and 43 were not specified. Among all patients, investigators used interviews to identify the following themes: intensifying disease identity; distressing uncertainties and consequences; powerful social influences; privilege and right of access to biologics; maintaining control; and negotiating treatment expectations.
“The physician is in a unique position to acknowledge and address fears of DMARD toxicity and adjust DMARD regimes to suit individual beliefs, lifestyles and goals,” the researchers wrote. They added, “Understanding, supporting and remaining optimistic for patients on these long-term medications can improve DMARD experience with an aim to promote quality use of medicines and maximize the benefit patients can gain from their DMARDs.” – by Will Offit
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.