More patients started and remained on metformin after enrolling in a pharmacist-led diabetes program compared to those who did not enroll, according to findings presented at AMCP 2022.

“Once initiated, patients should be continued on metformin for as long as it is tolerated and not contraindicated,” researchers noted. “Unfortunately, many patients either do not remain, or are never initiated, on metformin as part of their diabetes management.”

The retrospective analysis involved pharmacy paid claims data among members at least 18 years of age from November 2020 through October 2021. Researchers used generic product identifiers to classify which members had diabetes.

The intervention was a pharmacist-led diabetes program intended “to ensure appropriate metformin use and encourage initiation and/or retrial in patients not currently on a metformin-containing product who do not have contraindications.” Clinical specialty pharmacists conducted metformin use reviews during therapy change reviews, which are completed whenever a patient changes doses or begins a new diabetes medication.

Findings showed a higher proportion of patients received metformin while in the pharmacist-led program compared to patients who were not enrolled (7.91% vs 75.1%, P < .05).

Researchers concluded the program “results in impactful clinical benefits to plan sponsor and patients. The pharmacist-led collaborative care ensures that patients are started and remain on a metformin-product.”

Reference:
Taddei-Allen P, Banks J, Deleon L, Page N. Pharmacist-led interventions result in higher metformin use in patients with diabetes. Poster presented at: AMCP 2022; March 29-April 1, 2022; Chicago, IL.