Pharmacy team initiates new osteoporosis medication review

Team learning leads to better care.

After noticing an increase in the number of osteoporosis-related prescriptions coming into her pharmacy, pharmacist Latisha Schmid of Taber took another look at the Osteoporosis Guidelines from Osteoporosis Canada. That reading set the groundwork for collaboration with her pharmacy team and a new method of practice.

 “I felt I needed more knowledge to ensure I was providing my patients with the most updated information and treatment options for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis,” explained Latisha.

One month later, an individual came into the pharmacy to see Latisha for a refill.

“I began reviewing this person’s profile and was astounded to discover the length of time he had been on alendronate. The more research I did on this patient, assessing bone mineral density, I realized that he had been on this medication way beyond the recommended treatment protocols of the Osteoporosis Guideline,” said Latisha. “This was the first time I ever thought to review treatment duration and to check bone mineral density of anyone on bisphosphonate therapy. This prompted me to start doing more thorough checks on everyone taking these medications to prevent this from happening to other patients.”

With the individual’s consent she was able to review relevant testing information. The guidelines only recommend five years of treatment and 10 years for high-risk patients. Two weeks later, Latisha was able to advise that this individual end their osteoporosis medication. This was well received by both the patient and the physician.

Later, Latisha met with the rest of the pharmacy team, explained the new proposed process and, after a collaborative discussion, her recommendation was accepted by the team.

Latisha said this particular case made her realize that there is a gap in monitoring pharmacotherapy for osteoporosis. She is working with her pharmacy assistant to flag patient’s profiles and doing more thorough checks.