Characteristics of Adverse Drug Reactions from Anticancer Drugs of Hospitalized Patients

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to study characteristics and cost of treatment on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in hospitalized patients treated with anticancer drugs as well as the effects of pharmacist’s counseling to these patients. The study was performed during February 1 to July 31, 2006 in Nakornpathom hospital. Descriptive statistics and paired t-test had been used to analyse data.

Sixty-seven patients were monitored for ADRs. Demographic data of patients were 17 males (25.37 percent) and 50 females (74.63 percent) with average age of 55.74±11.74 years. 935 problems of ADRs were found in which 4.27 problems occurred every single time of drug used. Reactions to the gastrointestinal system were the most adverse reactions involved the patients (37.43 percent). The second were hematological system (19.47 percent). Effects on dermatological system were 10.48 percent, followed by burn at the injection site (9.84 percent), effects on liver (6.31 percent), fever (4.06 percent), and effects on neuromuscular system 3.32 percent, respectively. The serious ADR which need to treat and prolong hospitalization was found 336 problems (35.94 percent).

The total cost for treatment of ADRs in this study was 414,731.29 baht or the average of 1,893.75 baht to once anticancer drug was used. Patients who were infected need highest cost for treatment.

After being counseling by a pharmacist, number of patients who knew about the characteristics of adverse reactions of anticancer drugs and ways to take care of themselves in order to avoid the problems was significantly increased (p < 0.05).