The Prevalence of Drug-Drug Interactions and Reported Therapy Related Side Effects in Oncology Out-Patients

Authors : Rashida MUHAMMAD UMAR, Zeynep Yeşim CAN, Ece GÜVEN, Emine KARATAŞ KOÇBERBER, Omer Fatih OLMEZ

Pages : 212-217

Doi:10.33808/clinexphealthsci.1099582

View : 31 | Download : 20

Publication Date : 2023-03-28

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: The use of multiple medications in cancer patients is unavoidable; thus, adverse drug-drug interactions are frequent. This study aims to assess the prevalence of potential drug interactions in oncology patients visiting the outpatient chemotherapy unit. Method: Demographic and health-related information of patients visiting an outpatient chemotherapy unit was recorded using a pre-prepared form. A comprehensive list of all concurrently used medications was compiled and checked for interactions with the Micromedex online drug interaction tool. Results: A total of 179 adult patients were included. We recorded an average of 9.3 drugs per patient with 79 patients using more than 10 drugs. A total of 1671 drugs including 303 chemotherapeutic agents were assessed for drug-drug interactions. A total of 374 interactions, of which 203 were significant, were recorded in 118 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(65.9%); patients with an average of 3.2 interactions per patient. Only 46 major interactions were recorded for anticancer agents. Cyclophosphamide insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=13); and cisplatin insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(n=12); were involved in most interactions. The number of interactions correlated with the number of drugs used insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p=.001); and the presence of comorbidities insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p=.002);. The presence of comorbidities increased the risk of interaction by 1.21 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p=.04);. Recorded side effects were not correlated to drug interactions. Conclusion: Medication review in cancer patients is essential in establishing all medications used by patients. Routine assessment in terms of potential drug interactions and evaluation of these interactions by a qualified pharmacist may help in optimizing patient outcomes.
Keywords : Cancer patients, Antineoplastic agents, Drug drug interaction, Side effects, Polypharmacy