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Assessment of prescribing pattern, adverse drug reactions and psychological distress in cancer patients at Erode Cancer Centre
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| Author:
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BHAVATHARINI SUKUMARAN, JINCY JAMES, KRISHNAVENI KANDASAMY, SAMBATHKUMAR RAMANATHAN, SARAVANAN GOVINDARAJ, VELAVAN KANDAPPAN
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| Abstract:
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Context: Cancer is a complex neoplastic disorder. Globally, it is said to be the second leading cause of death.
Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the prescribing pattern, adverse drug reactions, potential drug-drug interactions and psychological distress in cancer patients.
Settings and Design: A prospective observational study was carried out on 65 cancer patients for 6 months at Erode Cancer Centre.
Methods and Material: A socio-demographic questionnaire, Naranjo’s and Hartwig’s scales to evaluate the probability and severity of adverse drug reactions and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 for psychological distress were used. Potential Drug-Drug Interactions were examined by Micromedex®.
Statistical analysis used: Descriptive analysis was performed and outcomes were presented in percentage.
Results: Most of the study participants had carcinoma cervix 10(15.3%). The most frequently prescribed anti-cancer drug was cisplatin 48(73.8%). Cyclophosphamide + doxorubicin 6(46.1%) was found mostly of the 13 PDDIs identified. ADRs were commonly experienced with mucositis 18(25%), alopecia 11(15.2%) and vomiting 10(13.8%). 63(87.5%) were probable ADRs and 54(75%) were found to be moderate in severity. The overall psychological distress showed 70.7% depression, 77% anxiety and 66.1% stress.
Conclusion: To prevent morbidity and mortality among cancer patients, due consideration should be provided to monitor the rational use of drugs. Proper screening of PDDIs and spontaneous reporting of ADRs can be emphasized by health care professionals with psychosocial care.
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| Keyword:
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Chemotherapy, Drug interactions, Adverse drug reactions, Psychological distress
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| EOI:
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| DOI:
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https://doi.org/10.31838/ijpr/2020.12.04.189
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| Download:
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