Prescription Analysis of Drugs used in cancer Patients in Tertiary Care Hospital-A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in India and accounts for 14% of all cancers .1,62,438 new cases have been registered every year. Drug utilization study (DUS) has emerged as a viable tool for evaluating various health-care systems, including cancer. Drug utilisation patterns are monitored to optimise treatment efficacy, offer feedback to prescribers to ensure sensible medication usage, and reduce adverse drug responses. Medication utilisation research's ultimate purpose is to determine whether or not drug therapy is sensible.
Aim: To study drug utilization pattern of drugs used in breast cancer patients.
To identify the commonly prescribed drugs for breast cancer patients. To study the proportionate of drugs used in each class.
Methodology: The present Study was conducted in Oncology Department in Krishna Hospital & Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, KVV, Karad. Patients diagnosed with Breast cancer and fulfils inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. Demographic profile (name, age, address, contact number), Weight, Height ,Profession, Income Status, List of drugs prescribed in each cycle.
Results: We have included 160 patients. Mean Age of patients was 55 years. Cyclophosphamide was received by 110 patients first 4 cycles followed by 50 patients for 5th and 6th cycle. 40 patients received Cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin for first 4 cycles followed by 4 cycles of Paclitaxel regimen. 4 cycles of 4FCD f/b 2CD regimen was received by 30 patients. Cyclophosphamide was received by 110 patients and doxorubicin was received by 115 patients. For concomitant medication dexamethasone, granisantron, pantoprazole etc. was received by 160 patients. Average No of Drug prescribed per prescription is 7.80
Conclusion: The most commonly utilized chemotherapeutic agent is doxorubicin (71.87%) and least is 5 Flurouracil (18.75%). Average No of Drug prescribed per prescription is 7.80.Average Number of chemotherapeutic agents used is 1.59.