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Ng A, Celo AN, Fernandes B. Turning the Page on Hardcopy Risk Management Plan Educational Materials: Digitalization Made Possible. Ther Innov Regul Sci 2024:10.1007/s43441-024-00717-3. [PMID: 39586972 DOI: 10.1007/s43441-024-00717-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 10/25/2024] [Indexed: 11/27/2024]
Abstract
'Risk Management Plan Educational Materials' (RMP EMs) are additional risk minimization measures (aRMMs) intended to prevent or reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions associated with the exposure to a medicine, or to reduce their severity or impact on the patient. While the healthcare sector is embracing various digital tools and platforms for educational and/or awareness building purposes, paper-based materials have remained the mainstay approach for implementation of aRMMs by pharmaceutical companies. Novartis in Singapore conducted a pilot on the feasibility of distributing electronic copies of RMP EMs (e-RMP). Post-pilot, e-RMP was officially implemented in Novartis Singapore. A year following the launch of e-RMP, a survey was performed with healthcare professionals (HCPs) to understand end-users' experience. The survey responses revealed a general preference by both HCPs and patients towards e-RMP. Digital methods of delivering educational aRMMs offer great benefits over traditional paper-based programs. e-RMP significantly reduces the time needed for updated RMP EMs to reach HCPs and their patients/caregivers. This is important to ensure that HCPs and patients/caregivers are made aware of any updates in key safety messages of the products in a timely manner to ultimately ensure patient safety. The successful transition to digital solutions requires purposeful collaborations between key stakeholders of the healthcare ecosystem including regulatory authorities, pharmaceutical companies, HCPs, patients and caregivers. This article aims to provide insights on the digitalization journey of e-RMP, a case study in Singapore, outlining the value but also some of the challenges faced during this transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabel Ng
- Novartis Asia Pacific Pharmaceuticals Pte Ltd, 20 Pasir Panjang Road, #10-25/28, Mapletree Business City (West Tower), 117439, Singapore.
| | - Ayn Nova Celo
- Novartis Asia Pacific Pharmaceuticals Pte Ltd, 20 Pasir Panjang Road, #10-25/28, Mapletree Business City (West Tower), 117439, Singapore
| | - Beliz Fernandes
- Novartis Healthcare Private Limited, Inspire BKC, 7th Floor, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), 400 051, Mumbai, India
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Maeda Y, Abe A, Seki S, Narii N, Katsura Y, Muramatsu Y, Sakaguchi M. Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Additional Risk Minimization Measures for Ixazomib Citrate for Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma in Japan: A Web-Based Survey Among Pharmacists. Pharmaceut Med 2024; 38:373-380. [PMID: 39168937 PMCID: PMC11473584 DOI: 10.1007/s40290-024-00535-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ixazomib citrate (IXA) in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone (IRD therapy) has been approved for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. In Japan, as these three drugs have different dosing schedules, dosing instructions for patients have been prepared and distributed to patients via healthcare professionals to promote an understanding of the appropriate dosing regimen, as an additional risk minimization measure (aRMM). OBJECTIVES This survey aimed to investigate whether the aRMM material is being utilized for the adequate use of IXA. METHODS A web-based questionnaire survey was conducted among in-hospital pharmacists in Japan who instructed patients on IXA dosing for IRD therapy. The primary endpoint was the proportion of pharmacists who provided patients with the contents of the aRMM material (i.e., how to take IXA). The secondary endpoints were the proportion of pharmacists who had obtained the aRMM material and the proportion of pharmacists who understood the importance of explaining how to take IXA to patients. RESULTS Of the 330 pharmacists who completed the questionnaire, 93.0% answered that they had explained how to take IXA to patients. Of those who answered that they had explained how to take IXA, 33.2% responded that they had experience in using the aRMM material. In addition, 37.6% of the pharmacists answered that they had obtained the aRMM material. Moreover, 95.8% stated that they knew how to take IXA, and 90.3, 9.1, 0.3, and 0.3% of pharmacists answered that the importance of explaining how to take IXA was "very important," "probably important," "less important" and "not important," respectively. CONCLUSIONS How to take IXA was explained to patients by pharmacists and the aRMM material was utilized at the time of the explanation, indicating that the aRMM material contributes to the promotion of the appropriate use of IXA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Maeda
- Patient Safety and Pharmacovigilance Japan, Takeda Development Center Japan, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 1-1, Doshomachi 4-chome Chuo-ku, Osaka, 540-8645, Japan
| | - Akihito Abe
- Patient Safety and Pharmacovigilance Japan, Takeda Development Center Japan, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 1-1, Doshomachi 4-chome Chuo-ku, Osaka, 540-8645, Japan
| | - Seigo Seki
- Patient Safety and Pharmacovigilance Japan, Takeda Development Center Japan, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 1-1, Doshomachi 4-chome Chuo-ku, Osaka, 540-8645, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Narii
- Patient Safety and Pharmacovigilance Japan, Takeda Development Center Japan, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 1-1, Doshomachi 4-chome Chuo-ku, Osaka, 540-8645, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Katsura
- Patient Safety and Pharmacovigilance Japan, Takeda Development Center Japan, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 1-1, Doshomachi 4-chome Chuo-ku, Osaka, 540-8645, Japan
| | - Yukiko Muramatsu
- Patient Safety and Pharmacovigilance Japan, Takeda Development Center Japan, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 1-1, Doshomachi 4-chome Chuo-ku, Osaka, 540-8645, Japan
| | - Motonobu Sakaguchi
- Patient Safety and Pharmacovigilance Japan, Takeda Development Center Japan, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 1-1, Doshomachi 4-chome Chuo-ku, Osaka, 540-8645, Japan.
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Treacy J, Morrato EH, Horne R, Wolf MS, Bakhai A, Wilson MC, Lightowler M, Guerler S, Jokinen J. Behavioral Science: Enhancing Our Approach to the Development of Effective Additional Risk Minimization Strategies. Drug Saf 2024; 47:733-743. [PMID: 38594553 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-024-01420-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Additional risk minimization strategies may be required to assure a positive benefit-risk balance for some therapeutic products associated with serious adverse drug reactions/risks of use, without which these products may be otherwise unavailable to patients. The goals of risk minimization strategies are often fundamentally to influence the behavior of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and/or patients and can include appropriate patient selection, provision of education and counselling, appropriate medication use, adverse drug reaction monitoring, and adoption of other elements to assure safe use, such as pregnancy prevention. Current approaches to additional risk minimization strategy development rely heavily on information provision, without full consideration of the contextual factors and multi-level influences on patient and HCP behaviors that impact adoption and long-term adherence to these interventions. Application of evidence-based behavioral science methods are urgently needed to improve the quality and effectiveness of these strategies. Evidence from the fields of adherence, health promotion, and drug utilization research underscores the value and necessity for using established behavioral science frameworks and methods if we are to achieve clinical safety goals for patients. The current paper aims to enhance additional risk minimization strategy development and effectiveness by considering how a behavioral science approach can be applied, drawing from evidence in understanding of engagement with pharmaceutical medicines as well as wider public health interventions for patients and HCPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elaine H Morrato
- Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Robert Horne
- Spoonful of Sugar Ltd, University College London Business Company, Brighton and Hove, UK
| | - Michael S Wolf
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ameet Bakhai
- The Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, UK
| | | | - Mark Lightowler
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Medicine Research, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, UK
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Lakhmiri R, Cherrah Y, Serragui S. Tumor Necrosis Alpha (TNF-α) Antagonists Used in Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases: Risks and their Minimization Measures. Curr Drug Saf 2024; 19:431-443. [PMID: 38204274 DOI: 10.2174/0115748863274863231222023853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α) inhibitors are widely employed for the management of chronic inflammatory rheumatism. However, their usage carries significant risks, including site and infusion reactions, serious infections, malignancy, heart failure autoimmune and demyelinating disorders. These risks are comprehensively outlined in risk management plans (RMPs) associated with these molecules. RMP provides information on the safety profile of a medicinal product as well as the measures that will be taken to minimize risks; these are known as risk minimization measures. These measures are divided into routine measures related to elements, such as the summary of product characteristics, labeling, pack size, package leaflet, or legal supply status of the product, while additional measures may include educational programs, including tools for healthcare providers and patients, controlled access or pregnancy prevention programs, among others. Additional measures can consist of one or more interventions that need to be implemented in a sustainable way in a defined target group, while respecting the timing and frequency of any intervention and procedures to reach the target population. An evaluation of the effectiveness of these measures is required to determine whether or not an intervention has been effective. This comprehensive review offers an in-depth exploration of the current treatment, uses, and associated risks of TNF-α inhibitors. Additionally, it provides a detailed account of risk minimization measures and risk management practices while shedding light on their real-world implementation and effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rim Lakhmiri
- Pharmaco-Epidemiology and Pharmaco-Economics Research Team - Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology - Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy -Mohammed V University of Rabat, Morocco
| | - Yahia Cherrah
- Pharmaco-Epidemiology and Pharmaco-Economics Research Team - Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology - Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy -Mohammed V University of Rabat, Morocco
| | - Samira Serragui
- Pharmaco-Epidemiology and Pharmaco-Economics Research Team - Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology - Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy -Mohammed V University of Rabat, Morocco
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Mueller M, Peakin J, Lewis DJ. Practical Considerations for the Implementation and Monitoring of Risk Minimisation Measures for High-Risk Teratogenic Medicines. Pharmaceut Med 2023; 37:439-449. [PMID: 37594662 DOI: 10.1007/s40290-023-00496-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
There is considerable societal interest in making medicines more affordable. A critical factor often inadequately considered early in the process of adding drugs to a company's product portfolio is that some products may require additional monitoring and complex, demanding and expensive additional risk minimisation measures (aRMMs). These aRMMs may have a sizeable impact on a company's commitment to that medicinal product throughout the product's entire life cycle. The teratogenic phthalimides were selected as an example of medicines that are recently being genericised and require a substantial commitment in terms of additional monitoring and aRMMs, most notably in the form of pregnancy prevention programmes (PPPs) with controlled distribution systems (CDSs). Implementing PPPs with CDSs is complex and demanding and encompasses all routine activities, aRMMs, local/regional Health Authority (HA) requirements, and commercialisation strategies. Considerations have been summarised that can support decision-making during due diligence processes, implementation and monitoring. Proactive, effective pharmacovigilance requires innovative, sustainable and flexible solutions to maintain high standards across the board. In particular, generic marketing authorisation holders operate with limited resources and may benefit appreciably from the following proposed suggestions and solutions such as early planning and preparation, knowledge-sharing, utilisation of new technologies and implementation of measures beyond HA-mandated requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Mueller
- Safety Risk Detection and Management, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Joseph Peakin
- Novartis Knowledge Center, Novartis Ireland Limited, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David J Lewis
- Patient Safety and Pharmacovigilance, Global Drug Development, Novartis Pharma GmbH, Wehr, Germany
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Postgraduate Medicine, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9AB, UK
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Essink SCM, Zomerdijk IM, Straus SMJM, Gardarsdottir H, De Bruin ML. Duration of Effectiveness Evaluation of Additional Risk Minimisation Measures for Centrally Authorised Medicinal Products in the EU Between 2012 and 2021. Drug Saf 2023; 46:1007-1020. [PMID: 37658281 PMCID: PMC10584707 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-023-01341-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In studies evaluating the effectiveness of additional risk minimisation measures (aRMMs), the need for speed must be properly balanced with the quality of the study. We assessed the duration of aRMM effectiveness evaluations, using additional pharmacovigilance activities, for centrally authorised medicinal products in the European Union. METHODS We established a cohort of medicinal products with aRMMs at marketing authorisation (MA) that were centrally authorised from July 2012-December 2021 using the European Public Assessment Reports. Evaluation studies were identified from the Risk Management Plans at the time of MA. Subsequently, we retrieved protocols, final study reports, Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) assessment reports, and PRAC minutes. We calculated the probability of completing an effectiveness evaluation within 60 months after MA using time-to-event analyses. Besides, we compared the planned final report with the actual final report date. RESULTS We identified 134 medicinal products authorised with aRMMs, of which almost half (n = 63, 47.0%) had an effectiveness evaluation study. The probability of an evaluation for a medicinal product being completed within 60 months after MA was 20.7% (95% CI 6.8-32.6). Regarding study design, the probability of completing a study was higher for cross-sectional studies when compared to cohort studies (p = 0.002). Moreover, 81.0% of studies were delayed when compared to their planned final report date. CONCLUSION The probability of completing an aRMM effectiveness evaluation at time for renewal of the MA was only one in five. Furthermore, estimates of the duration of studies around MA are too optimistic, with the majority being delayed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon C M Essink
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacovigilance, Medicines Evaluation Board, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Inge M Zomerdijk
- Department of Pharmacovigilance, Medicines Evaluation Board, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine M J M Straus
- Department of Pharmacovigilance, Medicines Evaluation Board, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Informatics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Helga Gardarsdottir
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Marie L De Bruin
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Byams VR, Baker JR, Bailey C, Connell NT, Creary MS, Curtis RG, Dinno A, Guelcher CJ, Kim M, Kulkarni R, Lattimore S, Norris KL, Ramirez L, Skinner MW, Symington S, Tobase P, Vázquez E, Warren BB, Wheat E, Buckner TW. Building the foundation for a community-generated national research blueprint for inherited bleeding disorders: research priorities in health services; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and implementation science. Expert Rev Hematol 2023; 16:87-106. [PMID: 36920863 PMCID: PMC11075128 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2023.2183836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) conducted extensive all-stakeholder inherited bleeding disorder (BD) community consultations to inform a blueprint for future research. Sustaining and expanding the specialized and comprehensive Hemophilia Treatment Center care model, to better serve all people with inherited BDs (PWIBD), and increasing equitable access to optimal health emerged as top priorities. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS NHF, with the American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network (ATHN), convened multidisciplinary expert working groups (WG) to distill priority research initiatives from consultation findings. WG5 was charged with prioritizing health services research (HSR); diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); and implementation science (IS) research initiatives to advance community-identified priorities. RESULTS WG5 identified multiple priority research themes and initiatives essential to capitalizing on this potential. Formative studies using qualitative and mixed methods approaches should be conducted to characterize issues and meaningfully investigate interventions. Investment in HSR, DEI and IS education, training, and workforce development are vital. CONCLUSIONS An enormous amount of work is required in the areas of HSR, DEI, and IS, which have received inadequate attention in inherited BDs. This research has great potential to evolve the experiences of PWIBD, deliver transformational community-based care, and advance health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa R. Byams
- Division of Blood Disorders, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Judith R. Baker
- Center for Inherited Blood Disorders, Western States Regional Hemophilia Network, Orange, California, USA
| | - Cindy Bailey
- Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hemophilia Treatment Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Nathan T. Connell
- Boston Hemophilia Center, Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Melissa S. Creary
- American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Randall G. Curtis
- Hematology Utilization Group Study (HUGS), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Hemophilia Foundation of Southern California, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Alexis Dinno
- The Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Christine J. Guelcher
- Hemostasis and Thrombosis Program, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michelle Kim
- The Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Roshni Kulkarni
- MSU Center of Bleeding and Clotting Disorders, Department Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Susan Lattimore
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Mountain States Regional Hemophilia Network, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Lucy Ramirez
- Rush Hemophilia and Thrombophilia Treatment Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mark W. Skinner
- Institute for Policy Advancement, Washington, DC, USA
- Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Patricia Tobase
- University of California San Francisco Hemophilia Treatment Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Beth B. Warren
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Division of Hematology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Emily Wheat
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Division of Hematology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Tyler W. Buckner
- Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Division of Hematology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Robinson F, Wilkes S, Schaefer N, Goldstein M, Rice M, Gray J, Meyers S, Valentino LA. Patient-centered pharmacovigilance: priority actions from the inherited bleeding disorders community. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2023; 14:20420986221146418. [PMID: 36861041 PMCID: PMC9969430 DOI: 10.1177/20420986221146418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharmacovigilance, the science and practice of monitoring the effects of medicinals and their safety, is the responsibility of all stakeholders involved in the development, manufacture, regulation, distribution, prescription, and use of drugs and devices. The patient is the stakeholder most impacted by and the greatest source of information on safety issues. It is rare, however, for the patient to take a central role and exert leadership in the design and execution of pharmacovigilance. Patient organizations in the inherited bleeding disorders community are among the most established and empowered, particularly in the rare disorders. In this review, two of the largest bleeding disorders patient organizations, Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA) and National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF), offer insights into the priority actions required of all stakeholders to improve pharmacovigilance. The recent and ongoing increase in incidents raising safety concerns and a therapeutic landscape on the cusp of unprecedented expansion heighten the urgency of a recommitment to the primacy of patient safety and well-being in drug development and distribution. Plain Language Summary Patients at the center of product safety Every medical device and therapeutic product has potential benefits and harms. The pharmaceutical and biomedical companies that develop them must demonstrate that they are effective, and the safety risks are limited or manageable, for regulators to approve them for use and sale. After the product has been approved and people are using it in their daily lives, it is important to continue to collect information about any negative side effects or adverse events; this is called pharmacovigilance. Regulators, like the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration, the companies that sell and distribute the products, and healthcare professionals who prescribe them are all required to participate in collecting, reporting, analyzing, and communicating this information. The people with the most firsthand knowledge of the benefits and harms of the drug or device are the patients who use them. They have an important responsibility to learn how to recognize adverse events, how to report them, and to stay informed of any news about the product from the other partners in the pharmacovigilance network. Those partners have a crucial responsibility to provide clear, easy-to-understand information to patients about any new safety concerns that come to light. The community of people with inherited bleeding disorders has recently encountered problems with poor communication of product safety issues, prompting two large US patient organizations, National Hemophilia Foundation and Hemophilia Federation of America, to hold a Safety Summit with all the pharmacovigilance network partners. Together they developed recommendations to improve the collection and communication of information about product safety so that patients can make well-informed, timely decisions about their use of drugs and devices. This article presents these recommendations in the context of how pharmacovigilance is supposed to work and some of the challenges encountered by the community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonji Wilkes
- Hemophilia Federation of America, Washington,
DC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Sharon Meyers
- Hemophilia Federation of America, Washington,
DC, USA
| | - Leonard A. Valentino
- National Hemophilia Foundation, 7 Penn Plaza,
Suite 102, New York, NY 1001, USA
- Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Rush
University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Goyer C, Castillon G, Moride Y. Implementation of Interventions and Policies on Opioids and Awareness of Opioid-Related Harms in Canada: A Multistage Mixed Methods Descriptive Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5122. [PMID: 35564515 PMCID: PMC9099533 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
In Canada, interventions and policies have been implemented to minimize the risk of opioid-related harms. This mixed methods study aimed at describing trends over time in implementation, as well as in awareness and health outcomes. For implementation, we conducted a scoping review to identify opioids interventions and policies implemented in Canada between 1 January 2016 and 15 November 2019. Awareness was measured through a descriptive analysis of opioid-related harm cases reported by consumers and health care professionals (HCPs) to the national spontaneous reporting system and of social media coverage, while health outcome consisted of opioid-related deaths recorded in the coroner's reports database of the province of Quebec, Canada. Trends over time in implementation of interventions were compared to trends in awareness and opioid-related deaths, without implying causality. There were 413 national or provincial interventions on opioids implemented over the study period, with a four-fold increase in 2016. The most common (31.5%) was harm reduction strategies, such as naloxone distribution. The reporting rate of opioid-related harms ranged between 0.1 and 0.2 per 100,000 persons with no observed time trend. Compared to 2015, the number of social media posts increased in 2016 by 35.4% (Reddit), 329.0% (Facebook), and 381.5% (Twitter). Between 2016 and 2019, there was a slight decrease in the number of opioid-related deaths recorded in the coroner's database. Overall, the increase in the number of policies did not see a parallel increase in spontaneous reports of opioid-related harms as an indicator of consumer or HCP awareness. Conversely, the dramatic increase in social media coverage was consistent with heightened public awareness. Although no inferences of causality were made in this study, the decrease in opioid-related deaths observed in the recent years may indicate a potential effectiveness of interventions and policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Goyer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada;
- YolaRX Consultants, Montreal, QC H3W 1Y7, Canada;
| | | | - Yola Moride
- YolaRX Consultants, Montreal, QC H3W 1Y7, Canada;
- Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
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de Vries E, Bakker E, Francisca RDC, Croonen S, Denig P, Mol PGM. Handling of New Drug Safety Information in the Dutch Hospital Setting: A Mixed Methods Approach. Drug Saf 2022; 45:369-378. [PMID: 35349127 PMCID: PMC9021088 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-022-01149-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The implementation of new drug safety information and Direct Healthcare Professional Communications (DHPCs) in hospitals is important for patient safety. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to gain insight into which procedures and practices are in place to handle new drug safety information and particularly DHPCs in the Dutch hospital setting. METHODS We first conducted focus groups including medical specialists and hospital pharmacists, focusing on handling of drug safety information at the individual and organisational level. A survey was then developed and distributed among hospital pharmacists in all Dutch hospitals to quantify the existence of specific procedures and committees to handle drug safety information and DHPCs. RESULTS Eleven specialists and 14 pharmacists from six hospitals participated in focus groups. Drug safety information was usually considered before drugs were included in formularies or treatment protocols. Furthermore, drug safety information was consulted in response to patients experiencing adverse events. DHPCs were mostly dealt with by individual professionals. DHPCs could lead to actions but this was very uncommon. Completed surveys were received from 40 (53%) of the hospitals. In 32 (80%), the hospital pharmacy had procedures to deal with new drug safety information, whereas in 11 (28%) a hospital-wide procedure was in place. Drug safety was considered in committees concerning drug formulary decisions (69%) and antibiotic policies (63%). DHPCs were assessed by a hospital pharmacist in 50% of the hospitals. CONCLUSIONS Drug safety information was used for evaluation of new treatments and in response to adverse events. Assessment of whether a DHPC requires action was primarily an individual task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther de Vries
- Department Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Bakker
- Department Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Remy D C Francisca
- Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Informatics, Erasmus Medical Centre, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stijn Croonen
- Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Petra Denig
- Department Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter G M Mol
- Department Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Smith MY, Frise S, Feron J, Marshall R. Improving the Safety of Medicines via Digital Technology: An Assessment of the Scope and Quality of Risk Minimization Websites in the United States and United Kingdom. Drug Saf 2022; 45:259-274. [PMID: 35247194 PMCID: PMC8933380 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-022-01165-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION EHealth holds tremendous promise for enhancing drug safety initiatives known as risk minimization programs. Little is known, however, regarding the scope and quality of existing risk minimization websites. METHODS Two publicly accessible repositories, REMS@FDA [1] and Electronic Medicines Compendium [2], were reviewed to identify all regulatorily approved risk minimization programs in the United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) with websites. Website quality was evaluated using the Enlight Quality Assessment tool, a psychometrically validated instrument that addresses seven quality domains. RESULTS Ninety-three websites were identified: 59 for healthcare professionals (7 UK/52 US), and 34 for patients (5 UK/29 US). The websites functioned chiefly as archives for electronic copies of educational materials; a subset (31/93) had additional features. Mean quality ratings for Usability (mean 4.70, SD 0.59), Visual Design (mean 4.03, SD 0.87) and Content (mean 4.31, SD 0.82) were good. General Subjective Evaluation was fair (mean 3.15, SD 1.21). Mean scores for Therapeutic Alliance and Therapeutic Persuasiveness were poor (mean 2.62, SD 1.47; and mean 2.50, SD 1.48, respectively); those for User Engagement were very poor (mean 2.25, SD 1.03). No differences were found by target audience but several were identified based on region. CONCLUSIONS Risk minimization websites are easy to navigate and well organized. Few, however, incorporate eHealth design elements that facilitate user engagement, build therapeutic alliance and exert therapeutic persuasiveness. Such elements can enhance program uptake and effectiveness. Results highlight opportunities for improving the quality of risk minimization websites and their ability to bridge pharmaceutical and healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Y Smith
- Alexion AstraZeneca Rare Disease, 121 Seaport Boulevard, 26 Plainfield Street, Boston, MA, 02130, USA. .,Department of Regulatory and Quality Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9121, USA. .,Rutgers School of Health Professions, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 65 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ, 07107, USA.
| | - Sarah Frise
- AstraZeneca, Mississauga, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Epidemiology), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Dal Pan GJ. The Use of Real-World Data to Assess the Impact of Safety-Related Regulatory Interventions. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2021; 111:98-107. [PMID: 34699061 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of medicines seeks to ensure the efficacy, safety, and quality of prescription and non-prescription medicines. Given that the conditions under which a medicine's benefits outweigh its risks are complex, it is essential that communications about the safe and effective use of medicines be clear and actionable. Assessing the impact of interventions to improve the safe and effective use of medicines is a developing area, and one in which real-world data are playing an increasingly important role. Although real-world data are commonly used to assess the impact of regulatory interventions, there are several areas where their use could be improved. Specific areas for improvement include assessing regulatory interventions across a wider range of medicines, rather than concentrating on a relatively few therapeutic areas; assessing more clinically relevant outcomes rather than relying on measures such as changes in the number of prescriptions, which may not always correlate with the desired impact; assessing the potential unintended or negative consequences of regulatory interventions; applying methods to address potential confounders; assessing long-term, rather than just short-term, impacts of an intervention; increasing the use of comparator groups, when feasible; and evaluating the impact of regulatory interventions from multiple dimensions, rather than from a single dimension. Expanded use of real-world data could inform some of these efforts, although data sources beyond administrative claims data will likely be necessary to achieve all these goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald J Dal Pan
- Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
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