Faizur Rahman,
Nalini Kanta Sahoo,
Rajesh Nath,
Alex Martin,
Asad Jamal Ansari,
Ebadurrahman,
Saurabh Kumar Chauhan,
- Faculty, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rama University, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Faculty, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rama University, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Faculty, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rama University, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Faculty, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rama University, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Faculty, Department of Pharmacy, Integral University, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Researcher, Department of Pharmacy, Integral University, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Researcher, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (SPER), Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that is classified as an autoimmune illness. It is characterized by joint inflammation, which can subsequently cause joint destruction. This leads to disability and a decline in quality of life. An analysis of drug usage is an important way of assessing prescribing habits and evaluating the rationality of drug use in an effort to achieve optimal therapeutic results among RA patients. Objectives: To evaluate the drug utilization pattern of anti-rheumatoid drugs, identify commonly prescribed medications, assess prescription rationality, and detect potential drug–drug interactions in RA patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in the rheumatology/medicine outpatient unit for six months in a tertiary care hospital. One hundred RA patients were recruited. A structured proforma was used to collect data, which was then analyzed using descriptive statistics. Drug use was measured by the World Health Organization (WHO)-prescribed indicators, and the database was used to measure drug–drug interactions. Results: Females represented 68% of the population in the study, and 60% of patients were aged 30-60 years. A total of 420 prescribed drugs suggested the average was 4.2, which indicated polypharmacy. DMARDs comprised of 55% drug prescriptions, whereas methotrexate was the most with 40% dominance, hydroxychloroquine 25%, and sulfasalazine 15%. Combination therapy was also observed in 48% of patients, and use of supplements was prescribed with NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) (70%), corticosteroids (45%), and gastroprotective agents (50%) was observed. WHO indicators showed 62% of prescribed drugs were of generic brand, 12% were substitutes, and 78% were from the list of drugs comprising the essential medicines. 65 potential drug–drug responder, i.e., 50% moderate, were observed. Approximately 75% of prescriptions were rational, whereas 30% of patients expressed poor adherence. Conclusion: Methotrexate DMARDs maintained their dominant drug impact in the management of RA and informed rational drug impact. However, substandard generic prescribing, polypharmacy, and inconsistencies in patient adherence were observed, and therefore, the need for education and training with this cohort was identified. The system of rational prescribing plays an important role in achieving the optimal drug impact, and hence, the necessity for safety is identified.
Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, drug utilization study, DMARDs, NSAIDs, prescribing pattern, polypharmacy, tertiary care hospital
[This article belongs to International Journal of Orthopedic Nursing and Practices ]
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International Journal of Orthopedic Nursing and Practices
| Volume | 04 | |
| Issue | 01 | |
| Received | 01/05/2026 | |
| Accepted | 05/05/2026 | |
| Published | 12/05/2026 | |
| Publication Time | 11 Days |