Consequences of non-medical switch among patients with type 2 diabetes

Curr Med Res Opin. 2018 Aug;34(8):1475-1481. doi: 10.1080/03007995.2018.1465904. Epub 2018 Apr 27.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to describe real-world experiences following a non-medical switch among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the United States.

Methods: For this cross-sectional study, patients with T2DM (N = 451) provided data on demographics, and how a non-medical switch of their anti-hyperglycemic agent (AHA) affected their general health, HbA1c levels and medication management, via an Internet-based survey. Patients self-reported their level of satisfaction with the original medication and emotional reactions to the non-medical switch. Patients who recently experienced a non-medical switch of their AHA(s) (n = 379) were asked about the consequences of switching and their satisfaction with the switch (vs. the original) medication.

Results: Patients most frequently reported feeling very/extremely frustrated, surprised, upset and angry in reaction to a non-medical switch. Patients were somewhat satisfied with their original medication. Between 20% and 30% of patients reported the non-medical switch had a moderate/major effect on their general health, diabetes, mental well-being and control over their health. The blood glucose levels of recent switchers were somewhat/much worse (20.7%) and medication management was somewhat/much worse (12.9%) on the switch (vs. the original) medication. Some recent switchers reported old symptoms returning (7.7%) and experiencing new side-effects (14.2%).

Conclusions: Approximately one in five patients reported a moderate/major negative impact on their blood glucose level, diabetes, mental well-being, general health and control over their health following a non-medical switch. Findings suggest that a non-medical switch may have unintended negative health consequences and results in considerable burden across multiple domains for a sizeable minority of patients with T2DM.

Keywords: Health insurance; healthcare resource utilization; medication management; non-medical switch; treatment satisfaction; type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • United States

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Hypoglycemic Agents