Survey of Potential Drug Interactions, Use of Non-Medical Health Products, and Immunization Status among Patients Receiving Targeted Therapies

Abstract

In recent years, several changes have occurred in the management of chronic immunological conditions with the emerging use of targeted therapies. This two-phase cross-sectional study was conducted through structured in-person interviews in 2018–2019 and 2022. Additional data sources included ambulatory medical records and the itemized reimbursement reporting interface of the National Health Insurance Fund. Drug interactions were analyzed using the UpToDate Lexicomp, Medscape drug interaction checker, and Drugs.com databases. The chi-square test was used, and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. In total, 185 patients participated. In 53% of patients (n = 53), a serious drug–drug interaction (DDI) was identified (mean number: 1.07 ± 1.43, 0–7), whereas this value was 38% (n = 38) for potential drug–supplement interactions (mean number: 0.58 ± 0.85, 0–3) and 47% (n = 47) for potential targeted drug interactions (0.72 ± 0.97, 0–5) in 2018. In 2022, 78% of patients (n = 66) were identified as having a serious DDI (mean number: 2.27 ± 2.69, 0–19), 66% (n = 56) had a potential drug–supplement interaction (mean number: 2.33 ± 2.69, 0–13), and 79% (n = 67) had a potential targeted drug interactions (1.35 ± 1.04, 0–5). Older age (>60 years; OR: 2.062), female sex (OR: 3.387), and polypharmacy (OR: 5.276) were identified as the main risk factors. Screening methods and drug interaction databases do not keep pace with the emergence of new therapeutics.