A Study of Prescription Pattern of Anti-Diabetic Drugs and Usage of Teneligliptin for Type II Diabetis Mellitus

Background: Prescription pattern studies are a tool for assessing the prescribing, dispensing, and distribution of medicines. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a spectrum of metabolic disorders as a consequence of different pathogenic mechanisms resulting in hyperglycemia. A genetic predisposition to develop β-cell dysfunction synergizes with insulin resistance to lead to type 2 DM. Adequate management of type 2 DM requires the institution of non-pharmacological management followed by pharmacological management. Currently trending anti-diabetic drugs include Teneligliptin, a recently developed oral dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitor indicated for the management of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adults, along with diet and exercise. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology in collaboration with the Department of General Medicine. A total of 518 patients were enrolled in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria after taking written informed consent. A structured case recording form was used to record demographic details and prescription details. The rationality of prescriptions was assessed using American Diabetes Association guidelines (ADA) 2015. Results: The majority of the patients were prescribed combination therapy (54%) followed by monotherapy (46%). Oral anti-diabetic agents used as monotherapy other than metformin were appropriate. Among the patients receiving combination therapy, the majority were receiving a fixed-dose combination, which was appropriate. Among the recent anti-diabetic drugs, Teneligliptin was the most commonly prescribed drug. Teneligliptin has been found to be well-accepted and tolerated, with a safety profile similar to other dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors. Teneligliptin was used as monotherapy, as an add-on to metformin, or as an add-on to a metformin plus sulfonylureas combination for better glycaemic control. Conclusion: Upon overall analysis, this study indicates that rational prescribing of drugs in tertiary care hospitals has to be improved by prescribing current trends, prescribing drugs from the Essential Drug List (EDL), and the significant use of combination therapy. The study of drug prescribing patterns showed that antidiabetic drugs were prescribed according to American Diabetes Association guidelines. The trends in prescribing newer anti-diabetic drugs show the acceptance of Teneligliptin and updated skills in physicians to promote better glycaemic control.