Análise do perfil farmacoterapêutico e das potenciais interações medicamentosas em pacientes com Esclerose Múltipla

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated, inflammatory, demyelinating, and neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects young adults between 20 and 50 years of age, with a higher prevalence in women. Patients with MS commonly present with symptoms resulting from the disease itself and other associated comorbidities. Therefore, drug treatment aims at clinical improvement, increased functional capacity, improved prognosis, and symptom attenuation; consequently, these patients are subject to polypharmacy. The simultaneous use of multiple drugs is associated with an increased likelihood of the patient experiencing drug-related problems (DRPs), which can compromise the effectiveness of pharmacological treatment and/or generate health problems. Harmful drug interactions are examples of DRPs and therefore must be identified to ensure adequate treatment and patient safety. The objective of this study is to analyze the medication use profile, prevalence, and potential drug interactions in patients with multiple sclerosis undergoing treatment with natalizumab, as seen at the Pharmacy School of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS). To this end, a cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 60 patients treated with natalizumab at the institution. The study showed evidence of a link between a complex pharmacotherapy regimen and the occurrence of drug-related problems (DRPs). Factors such as the total number of medications in use, the presence of comorbidities, and polypharmacy are directly associated with an increased risk of potential drug interactions. The study also observed that the classes of psychoanaleptics, antiepileptics, and psycholeptics had a greater impact on the studied interactions. Although most complementary therapies have not been shown to be involved in potential interactions, some supplements have been associated with clinically relevant combinations, such as that observed between magnesium supplementation and vitamin D use. Finally, the importance of the pharmacist's role in managing these DRPs and promoting health by contributing with interventions and services is highlighted.