Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affect patients’ social, emotional, and physical well-being. In most Western countries, the prevalence of RA is approximately 0.5– 1%, affecting more females than males, the prevalence of RA in India is approximately 0.75% and increasing trend has been noticed. Aims and Objectives : This observational cross-sectional study was designed to study the prescription patterns in Rheumatoid arthritis patients in Indian adult population in orthopeadic outpatient department in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted over the span of 1 year ,where 100 patients were enrolled in study following the inclusion and exclusion criteria after taking informed consent. All the demographic data and complete prescription of rheumatoid arthritis were collected on predesigned semi structured proforma to evaluate the prescription pattern . The collected prescriptions were analyzed by using WHO drug use indicators. Results: Total of 100 prescriptions was analyzed. 77 (77%) were females and 23(23%) were males. Most commonly presenting age group was 31-45 years 46 (46%). Family history and RA factor was positive in 25 (25%) and 80 (80%) patients respectively. Anti-ccp was raised in 87 (87%) patients. The comorbid conditions were OA 13(13%) type-2 diabetes mellitus 8 (8%), hypertension 8 (8%), GERD 9 (9%) . Total of 446 drugs were prescribed during the study period. The prescribed drugs were disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) 145 (32.51%), vitamin-D3 and calcium supplements 104 (23.32%), analgesics 56 (12.56%), antacids 58 (13%), others 69(15.47%). Monotherapy with one DMARD 55 (37.9%) or as dual drug therapy i.e two DMARDS therapy 45(31.03%) was prescribed in prescriptions. 4.46 drugs per prescription, 422 (94.62%) drugs by generic names and 88.79% drugs were prescribed from the National List of Essential Medicine (NLEM) 2022. Conclusions: There is a requirement for data, which can help implement better strategy for regulation of the prescription of DMARDs at all levels. More studies will help articulate guidelines for prescribing this group of drugs for rationally usage.

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