Medication possession ratio in postmenopausal osteoporotic patients: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease of bone that increases risk of low-trauma fracture. Chronic treatment may lead to lower adherence with medication. The current study aims are to determine adherence rate of antiosteoporotic medication by Medication Possession Ratio. Data has been collected from outpatient settings registering cases of postmenopausal osteoporotic women taking medications for an average duration of one year in Karachi. These patients were classified in lower, middle, and affluent socioeconomic classes. Collected data were analyzed by the standardized formula of Medication Possession Ratio and SPSS. Average Medication Possession Ratio ≥80% achieved by Risedronate Brands in the middle class (80.28%±4.41), the affluent class (82.50%±5.09), Raloxifen Brands in affluent class (93.62%±1.57), Gonadotropics in the middle class (81.36%±6.02), affluent class (91.09%±2.05), Alendronate Brands in affluent class (85.42%±5.46). Average Medication Possession Ratio is <80% with all antiosteoporotic medication in the lower class, while the average Medication Possession Ratio of Calcium and Vitamin D is ≥80% in all groups except lower class. Adherence rate was significantly higher among Alendronate group compare to Risedronate (p=0.044). Medication Possession Ratio is greater than 80% among all classes of low-cost antiosteoporotic medications. In addition, patients on once weekly oral medications are more adherent and compliant compare to oral daily or intranasal medications.