The Situation
A patient in her early 60s was prescribed FORTEO, a daily injectable, as a first-line treatment for osteoporosis. Our Population Health Management engine identified a new specialty therapy for the patient requiring clinical review for appropriateness. In her review of the patient’s chart, our Clinical Pharmacist noted the patient self-reported a fear of needles and was hesitant towards injectable medications, which could potentially lead to non-adherence.
The Intervention
Our Pharmacist contacted the patient’s prescriber to discuss treatment. We recommended the patient switch to an oral medication, Alendronate, which is both a first line therapy and a non-specialty lower-cost alternative, and would not require the patient to inject herself with a needle. The prescriber agreed with the recommendation and the switch was made.
Results Matter:
By proactively flagging this case for clinical review and recommending a clinically appropriate treatment aligned to the patient’s preferences, we ensured that her osteoporosis was well managed—without the need for a high-cost specialty injectable therapy.
- Original Prescription: FORTEO injection
- Clinical Recommendation: Alendronate sodium tablets
- Clinical Savings: $41,608 annual plan savings from this single clinical intervention
The Takeaway:
Consideration for a patient’s lifestyle and preferences is a crucial element of whole-person care. A fear of needles may lead to poor adherence to injectable therapy, which compromises treatment efficacy. By taking patient preference into consideration, EmpiRx Health’s approach to care promotes better adherence, which minimizes waste and optimizes outcomes.
