Therapeutic Research

Abstract

This study, jointly conducted by the Gifu Pharmaceutical Association and Gifu Pharmaceutical University, used Pharmaceutical Intervention Records（PIR）project data to analyze the characteristics and economic impact of prescription audits resulting from drug discontinuation. Pharmacists entered audit data for 1546 prescriptions into the PIR database in 2018. For this analysis, we divided these 1546 prescriptions into a subject group（those that resulted in drug cancellation）and a control group（comprising all other prescriptions）. The reduction in drug cost per prescription was 1469 yen in the subject group, which was significantly greater than that in the control group（840 yen）. In the subject group, pharmacists tended to use prescription notes to identify drugs with the same indication, combined use contraindications, and residual drugs. In addition, the main indications of drugs that were subject to cancellation were digestive and central nervous system applications. This was considered a significant factor underlying reduced drug costs in the subject group, and is expected to improve regulation of polypharmacy practices. By confirming the prescription notes focusing on cancellation of digestive medicines, patient care for those taking multiple drugs can be improved. Also, these actions positively impact the medical economy because drug cancellation is required to prevent duplication and negative interactions between prescription drugs.