Comprehensive Analysis of Prescription Management in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Observational Study.

Abstract

Objective: This study seeks to conduct a comprehensive analysis of prescription management for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), revealing prevalent prescription patterns, drug classes, and adherence to WHO guidelines.

Method: A prospective observational study conducted at the Department of Orthopedics in MMISR Hospital, Mullana, Ambala, over six months, involved 100 patients diagnosed with either RA or OA, aged 20 to 80 years. Excluded were patients below 20 and above 80 years, pregnant or lactating women, and those receiving alternative arthritic therapies. Data collected included gender, age, disease symptoms, and drug class, analyzed using the WHO prescription pattern.

Result: The study comprised 36% RA patients and 64% OA patients. For RA patients, Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) were frequently prescribed, with a combination of sulfasalazine and methotrexate being the most common. Conventional DMARDs and NSAIDs were also prescribed. OA patients received prescriptions for NSAIDs, vitamin-mineral supplements, and Undenatured Collagen Type 2. WHO prescription analysis revealed 547 drugs prescribed, including 137 over-the-counter drugs, 76 generic drugs, 471 brand-name drugs, 8 injections, and a 44.05% prescription rate from the essential drug list.

Conclusion: This study sheds light on prevalent prescription patterns for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), emphasizing the frequent use of Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) in RA management and the various drug classes prescribed for both conditions, providing valuable insights into adherence to WHO prescription guidelines.

 Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Disease- modifying antirheumatic drugs, world Health Organization Tools.