Evaluation of Saudi Arabian Pharmacists' Awareness and Expertise about Ledipasvir Sofosbuvir

Abstract

Introduction: Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir is a fixed-dose combination of two antiviral drugs with different mechanisms of action. It is used to treat chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection in adults as a fixed-dose combination tablet containing 90 mg ledipasvir and 400 mg sofosbuvir. Objective of the Study: To assess and evaluate the actual knowledge of pharmacists in Saudi Arabia about different aspects regarding ledipasvir sofosbuvir combination. Method: Cross sectional survey was conducted from November 2022 to November 2023. A total of 180 pharmacists participated in the study. The inclusion criteria are to be a licensed and currently practicing pharmacist or clinical pharmacist and exclusion criteria is being pharmacist technician or pharmacist aid. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire, especially designed for this study. The questionnaire was divided into 2 parts. Data were analyzed using excel Categorical variables using frequency distribution and percentages. Results: In this study 34 % of pharmacists were community pharmacists while 50% were hospital pharmacists. Males accounted for 52% of pharmacists. Highest proportion (58%) of the participants were in the age group (25 to 30 years) and majority (72%) had one to five years of practice years. The average of good knowledge about indications, dosage and administration of ledipasvir-sofosbuvir equal 57%. The average of good knowledge about drug interactions of Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir equal 54%. The average of good knowledge about drug interactions of Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir equal 58%. The overall average of good knowledge (correct answers) of all pharmacists included in the study regarding ledipasvir-sofosbuvir equal 56%. Conclusion: As a conclusion, large proportion of the study sample lack adequate knowledge in certain important aspects of ledipasvir sofosbuvir which is an FDA approved interferon-free regimen for patients with chronic HCV. This might negatively affect the role of pharmacists in patient counseling and education.