Role of Latvian Pharmacists in Valproate and Oral Retinoid Pregnancy Prevention Programme

Activity: Talk or presentation types › Poster presentation

Description

It is crucial to involve pharmacists in risk minimization processes, as pharmacists are the last link between patients and medications. This is especially urgent for medicines such as oral retinoids and valproates with well-known teratogenicity risks. The aim of this work was to describe (1) the knowledge of Latvian pharmacists about the risks of oral retinoids and valproates and the Pregnancy prevention programme (PPP) for women of childbearing age, as well as (2) pharmacists’ use of PPP materials while dispensing oral retinoids and valproate- containing medicines to women of reproductive age.. Two anonymous electronic questionnaires with questions about pharmacists’ knowledge and experience with dispensing valproates and oral retinoids and the use of PPP materials were distributed among Latvian pharmacists. Obtained data were analysed with descriptive statistical methods.. 55 valproate and 54 oral retinoid questionnaires were received, 38 and 46 accordingly were included in our analysis. All respondents except one (in the valproate questionnaire) were aware of the teratogenic risks of valproates and oral retinoids. The warning on the outer packaging was most often used and considered as the most effective PPP tool for both medicines. Other PPP tools were considered as not useful for pharmacists’ consultations. Most of the respondents (58.1% for valproates and 75.6% for retinoids) confirmed that they always inform about necessity of effective contraception while dispensing valproates or oral retinoids and advise to consult with the physician immediately if pregnancy is suspected. As a main obstacle for PPP use respondents mentioned the absence/unavailability of these materials (42.3% for valproates, 41.7% for oral retinoids).. Latvian pharmacists are well informed about the risks of oral retinoid and valproate-containing medicines for women of childbearing age. Improvements are necessary to successfully implement the PPP in pharmacists’ daily practice.
Period29 Mar 2023
Event titleRSU International Research Conference 2023: Knowledge for Use in Practice
Event typeConference
OrganiserRīga Stradiņš University
LocationRiga, LatviaShow on map
Degree of RecognitionInternational

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