Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology

R. Kalaivani ¹, P. Saranya ²

Affiliations
1 School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vels University, Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN
2 Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences,Vels University, Chennai, Tamilnadu, IN

Abstract

Off-label is defined as any drug use outside the terms of product license; while the unlicensed use refers to using a drug in children when it has not received marketing authorization for use in them. The objective of the study was to determine the attitude and experience of community pharmacists towards off-label and unlicensed prescriptions for the pediatric population. This study was carried out as a prospective observational study for a period of six months at the community pharmacies in and around Chennai. Validated questionnaire to assess the attitude and experience of community pharmacists towards unlicensed and off-label prescriptions for the paediatric population was given to those community Pharmacists who have registered in the State Pharmacy Council as Pharmacist. Questionnaires issued were self administered by the community pharmacists and the answers recorded by them were collected and then assessed. Over 70% of respondents were familiar with the concept of off-label prescribing, primarily through dispensing experience rather than education. Over 60% of respondents had been asked by the public to sell paediatric over-the-counter medicines, such as antihistamines, analgesics and steroid preparations for off-label use. Most common off-label drug was paracetamol being 32% (BNFC) of all prescribed in this manner. Most common information sources was British national formulary for children (BNFC), Current index medical specialities(CIMS) and local formularies. The majority of respondents (74%) admitted to being familiar with the concept of off-label prescribing .The majority of respondents, 88% agreed or strongly agreed that the pharmacist has a responsibility to inform the prescriber that they are prescribing off-label medicines for children, and 32% unsure that pharmacist also has a responsibility to inform the parents that the medicines prescribed for their children are off-label. Dispensing labeled and licensed drugs in pediatric patients should be promoted among the community pharmacist as well as pediatricians in order to avoid exposing children to unnecessary risk. Participation in Continuing Medical Education should be encouraged among community pharmacist to keep their knowledge updated.

Keywords

Off-Label, Unlicensed, Community Pharmacy, Pediatrics, Questionnaire, Attitude

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S. Sajel ¹, P. Saranya ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vels University, IN

Abstract

The objective of the study was to compare the quality of life (QOL) in men and women with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) using RAND-36 Questionnaire and also to improve their quality of life by structured patient education. The study was designed to be a cross sectional study in which 82 men and 78 women with diabetic foot ulcer were enrolled. Socio-demographic variables were documented and assessed using RAND SF-36 a questionnaire for all subjects. RAND SF-36 scale scores were compared using statistical descriptive and analytical method. QOL was found to be worse in women when compared to men. Out of 160 study participants, 51% were male and 48 % were female with a mean (+ SD) age of 45 (+3) and 43 (± 7.3) respectively. The QOL score analysis demonstrated that the physical health was subsequently limited due to physical activity (p<0.0001) and pain (p<0.0001) with a significant difference between men and women. However, analyzing the social functioning scores of the subjects showed a non-significant relationship of p value (0.7133) and general health (p=0. 3427). Although on further evaluation, the scores of emotional well being and energy scores of the patient showed a significant difference with a p value of <0.0001 and 0.0004 respectively. The correlation between the age and physical function exhibited a significant difference between the genders (p<0.0001). Female patients with DFU had a lower score for quality of life when all the 8 domains in RAND SF-36 questionnaire were assessed. Adapting patient educational programs and appropriate life style modifications can improve the quality of life in these patients.

Keywords

Quality of Life, Diabetes, Foot Ulcer, Patient Counseling.

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M. Sumithra ¹, P. Saranya ², D. Yashwitaa ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis, Vels University (VISTAS), Chennai – 600117, IN
2 Department of Pharmacy Practice, Vels University (VISTAS), Chennai - 600117, Tamil Nadu, IN
3 Department of Pharmacy Practice, Vels University (VISTAS), Chennai- 600117, IN

Abstract

The aim of the study is to monitor and observe the incidence of intravenous drug administration errors in the general medicine department of a tertiary care hospital. Preparation and administration of the intravenous drugs to in-patients of the general medicine department was monitored by direct observational method. In a total of 329 intravenous administrations, 54.71% of errors were observed in the patient population out of which 74.78% showed at least one error. The results revealed that the flow rate error 45% were more prevalent among the overall study population followed by reconstitution error 26%, wrong mix errors were found to be 23% and incompatibility were found to be 10%. Errors were observed in both intravenous infusions as well as in intravenous bolus injections. Since intravenous administration of drugs have advantages of quicker delivery of drug to the target site via blood, proper care should be taken by nurses and other health care professionals in the IV drug administration. Errors can be minimized by utilising advanced techniques like small infusion smart pumps and automated flow rate infusion set.

Keywords

Bolus, Intravenous Administration, Flow Rate, Medication Error.

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