Pharmacists’ Perceptions About Knowledge of Biologic Medicines and Their Interchangeability and Pharmacist-Led Substitution: A Pilot Survey of Finnish Community Pharmacists
Introduction
Use of biologic medicines is increasing rapidly. Biologic medicines are often considerably more expensive in comparison to traditional synthetic medicines. Yet, the price competition is limited among these medicines. With the introduction of biosimilars and price competition, it is possible to achieve savings – provided that these medicines are made available and adapted into the use. The aim of this study was to explore Finnish pharmacists’ perceptions about biologic medicines and the interchangeability and pharmacist-led substitution of these medicines. Additionally, the knowledge of biologic medicines and confidence to dispense them were explored.
Methods
The data was collected with an electronic questionnaire for Finnish community pharmacists in the autumn 2019. The study acted as a pilot study for an international research collaboration project. Results were analysed using frequencies, cross-tabulation, and chi-square test.
Key findings
Altogether, 168 questionnaires were analysed. Sixty-one percent of the respondents knew that a biosimilar is a similar copy of a biologic medicine. A quarter (25%) reported feeling sufficiently informed about biosimilars in general. Seventy-four percent of the pharmacists preferred dispensing biosimilars when they have the lowest price. However, 35% of the respondents felt uncomfortable to substitute originator with a biosimilar if pharmacist-led substitution would be possible. Many respondents deemed that substitution on treatment initiation (42%) or during a patient’s treatment course (38%) should be a prescriber decision.
Conclusions
According to this study, most Finnish pharmacists have a reasonable level of knowledge about biologic medicines. However, they do not feel sufficiently informed about biosimilars. Pharmacists are not necessarily ready, given their current state of knowledge, to substitute biologic medicines without consulting a physician, and thus additional training is needed.
Authors
Senni Kaunisto, Piia Siitonen, Hanna Kauppinen, Kati Sarnola
Additional Information
- Peer-Reviewed: yes.
- Open Access: yes.
- Cite as: Kaunisto, S., Siitonen P., Kauppinen, H., & Sarnola, K. (2022). Pharmacists’ perceptions about knowledge of biologic medicines and their interchangeability and pharmacist-led substitution: A pilot survey of Finnish community pharmacists. Dosis, 38(1), 74-101. https://dosis.fi/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/74-101_Dosis_1-22_Kaunisto.pdf
