Abstract
Background: The objective of this article was to explore the information needs of consumers using statins.
Method: Calls made to a national medicines call centre in Australia were analysed. Where question narratives were available electronically (n = 1486), the main concerns were identified using a coding scheme. Subsequently, we evaluated whether these concerns were addressed in the medication leaflet.
Results: The most common concerns were about side effects (36%) and interactions (28%). Concerns about side effects related to musculoskeletal (27%), gastrointestinal (12%) and skin problems (5%). Concerns about interactions included other medicines (49%), complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs; 39%) and grapefruit (6%). Additional questions related to differences between treatments (12%) and dosage (8%). Most topics were mentioned in the medication leaflet, but strategies to manage these concerns were lacking.
Discussion: When prescribing statins, information about common side effects, when symptoms require action, and interactions with other medicines, especially CAMs, should be addressed and tailored to the patient.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 594-601 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Australian Family Physician |
| Volume | 46 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Aug 2017 |