Bariatric Surgery Patients Have Special Medication Needs

Newswise — Patients who have had bariatric surgery need to take special steps to make sure they are absorbing their medications and nutrients, according to a study published today in the October 1, 2006, edition of the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy (Am J Health Syst Pharm 2006 63: 1852-1857).

Authors April D. Miller, Pharm.D, of University of Kentucky HealthCare, and Kelly M. Smith, Pharm.D., of University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, examined previously published literature to assess potential problems that bariatric surgery patients may have with absorption of mediations and nutrients.

The authors focus on Roux-en-Y (pronounced "rue-on-why" ) gastric bypass, which is the type of bariatric surgery most often performed in the United States. This form of gastric bypass surgery is associated with more absorption problems than other procedures because it combines techniques that restrict the amount of food passing through the stomach and impair the ability of the small intestines to absorb nutrients.

This combination of approaches creates the need for special considerations to help patients get the best results from their medications, according to Miller and Smith. "Both the smaller stomach size and the decreased absorption ability of the small intestines can mean that medications may not work as intended," said Smith. "It's important for physicians and pharmacists to be aware of these patients' special needs in order to make the best choices about appropriate medications."

Extended-release and delayed-release medications may not work properly because of the shortened small intestine, explains Smith. She adds that some of the necessary changes could be as simple as prescribing a liquid medication, which is more easily absorbed than a tablet or capsule, and using immediate-release formulations. The study also notes that patients could benefit from medications that are administered with patches worn on the skin, injection, suppositories, or nasal spray.

Nutrient deficiencies may also be a problem, including deficiencies of calcium and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Patients are also at higher risk for developing anemia because of deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12 and folate. "After bariatric surgery, all patients should take a daily multivitamin and calcium supplementation " preferably in a powder or liquid form to enhance absorption," said Miller. "Monthly B12 injections and early bone density testing should also be considered."

About ASHPFor more than 60 years, ASHP has helped pharmacists who practice in hospitals and health systems improve medication use and enhance patient safety. The Society's 30,000 members include pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who practice in inpatient, outpatient, home-care, and long-term-care settings, as well as pharmacy students. For more information about the wide array of ASHP activities and the many ways in which pharmacists help people make the best use of medicines, visit ASHP's Web site, http://www.ashp.org, or its consumer Web site, http://www.SafeMedication.