Medication adherence in people with liver disease
23 November 2021
Dr Alvina Lai, Associate Professor at UCL Institute of Health Informatics affiliated with UCL Genetics Institute, has recently published in the Lancet Regional Health, Europe
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