Medication adherence in people with liver disease

Patients with liver disease are often excluded from landmark clinical trials on anticoagulants and antiplatelets, which means that there is a lack of results from major trials on this vulnerable group of patients. Insights from real-world data could provide a much-needed evidence base on blood thinner prescribing, safety and efficacy in these patients. The study found that the level of anticoagulant and antiplatelet prescribing was 13% and 15% lower, respectively in patients with liver disease compared with those without liver disease. The researchers say it is crucial for patients with liver disease to have additional risk-benefit assessments to determine the pros and cons of continuing or discontinuing therapy. Patients with liver disease should be informed of potential benefits and risks and be included in decision-making on the selection of specific medicines to promote adherence while minimising risks. Notwithstanding the high economic costs of wasted medicines, non-adherence may limit the efficacy of drugs and could result in health deterioration and subsequent knock-on effects of poor health

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(21)00199-X/fulltext

Accompanied by a 3-minute video abstract to summarise the key findings in plain language:
https://youtu.be/UWSH7KS8ViU