Evaluation of the Use of Immunosuppressant Drugs Applied Subcutaneously in a Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

BACKGROUNDPatients with autoimmune diseases, for the most part, need continuous or prolonged use of immunosuppressive drugs. In the midst of the therapeutic arsenal, the use of the subcutaneous (SC) route has been an important treatment option for such patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception of patients regarding the use of immunosuppressive drugs administered via the SC route. METHODSAn observational, cross-sectional study was carried out with the application of a questionnaire to patients over 18 years of age, followed up at the rheumatology center in a tertiary hospital, users of at least two doses of immunosuppressive medication administered subcutaneously. RESULTSA total of 123 patients were interviewed, most of them with rheumatoid arthritis (76%) and spondyloarthropathy (19%), of female gender (84%), with a mean age of 66 years. Medication at home was taken for 76% of the patients, and in 68% of the cases the application was done by the patient, with 27% reporting some difficulty at the time of application and 30% preferring to modify it to perform it in a supervised way. However, only 14% of them reported some degree of insecurity in performing it at home; 24% of the patients apply the medication in some health establishment, being 50% in the basic health units and 50% in the infusion center of the hospital; 85% of respondents stored the medication correctly, but 12% reported recurrent lack of light in their home. Of the patients who took their medication at home, 18% reported delays in taking the medication versus 13% of the group who attended a health facility. CONCLUSIONThe use of SC immunosuppressive drugs has been used for a long time in autoimmune diseases and an adequate explanation about the care with the medication, as well as its application, in addition to the patients' understanding of their own condition, are factors that favor adherence to the medication. treatment and, therefore, better outcomes.