Pharmacist Impact on Medication Adherence and Drug-Related Problems in Patients with Epilepsy

INTRODUCTION: Objectives: Drug-related problems (DRPs) and non-adherence are important barriers to ensuring optimal antiseizure drug treatment. The aim was to improve medication adherence, detect and manage DRPs and decrease the number of seizures with pharmacist-led education in patients with epilepsy.
METHODS: Material and Methods: A prospective and interventional study was conducted in collaboration with the department of neurology the rational drug usage unit of hospital pharmacy in a university hospital. The impact of pharmacist-led education on medication adherence and interventions in the management of DRPs was assessed in patients with epilepsy who were admitted to the outpatient clinic. A total of 39 patients with epilepsy were evaluated in terms of medication adherence, DRPs and seizure control over two months follow-up period and patient satisfaction with pharmacy services at the end of the study.
RESULTS: Results: A total of 59 DRPs were detected and 71.2% of them were accepted and implemented both by physicians and/or patients and, pharmacist interventions solved 62.7% of DRPs. The number of patients with high-level medication adherence significantly increased from 17 to 28 by pharmacist-led education (p<0.001). The number of seizures decreased in 19 patients (48.7%) during the 2 months period. Patient satisfaction was high in all patients.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Conclusion: It is shown that the contribution of the pharmacist, in the treatment of patients with epilepsy, is beneficial in the improvement of medication adherence, detection and management of DRPs and decrease in the number of seizures.