Purpose To describe risk minimization measures (RMMs) implemented in Malaysia for allopurinol‐induced severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCARs) and examine their impact using real‐world data on allopurinol usage and adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports associated with allopurinol. Methods Data on allopurinol ADR reports (2000‐2018) were extracted from the Malaysian ADR database. We identified RMMs implemented between 2000 and 2018 from the minutes of relevant meetings and the national pharmacovigilance newsletter. We obtained allopurinol utilization data (2004‐2018) from the Pharmaceutical Services Programme. To determine the impact of RMMs on ADR reporting, we considered ADR reports received within 1 year of RMM implementation. We used the Pearson χ2 test to examine the relation between the implementation of RMMs and allopurinol ADR reports. Results The 16 RMMs for allopurinol‐related SCARs implemented in Malaysia involved nine risk communications, four prescriber or patient educational material, and three health system innovations. Allopurinol utilization decreased by 21.5% from 2004 to 2018. ADR reporting rates for all drugs (n = 144 507) and allopurinol (n = 1747) increased. ADR reports involving off‐label use decreased by 6% from 2011. SCARs cases remained between 20% and 50%. RMMs implemented showed statistically significant reduction in ADR reports involving off‐label use for August 2014 [χ2 (1, N = 258) = 5.32, P = .021] and October 2016 [χ2 (1, N = 349) = 3.85, P = .0499]. Conclusions RMMs to promote the appropriate use of allopurinol and prescriber education have a positive impact. We need further measures to reduce the incidence and severity of allopurinol‐induced SCARs, such as patient education and more research into pharmacogenetic screening.
Background: The objective of the study was to assess drug utilization pattern and cost analysis among the psychiatric patients treated with various benzodiazepine derivatives.Methods: This observational study was conducted in department of psychiatric, RMMCH, Annamalai University. The study period was 6 months (November 2018 to April 2019). A total of 50 psychiatric patients were included.Results: A total 50 patients among them 64% (32) males and 36% (18) female, were included in the study. Most of the patient were between the age groups of 18-29 years (30%). The most common clinical condition treated with benzodiazepines were alcohol dependence syndrome/alcohol withdrawal syndrome/ alcohol related psychotic disorder (34%). The majority of patients were prescribed with clonazepam (66.67%). The defined daily dose (DDD) per 100 bed days of benzodiazepines were found to be 0.89. In this study the comparison of cost analysis for the drug used and it was found that lorazepam (122%) are most expensive followed by chlordiazepoxide (93.3%) and clonazepam (78.57%). The cheapest drug was nitrazepam (36.84%).Conclusions: The majority of the patient admitted in the psychiatric department were suffering from Alcohol depending syndrome/alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The most commonly prescribed benzodiazepine was clonazepam followed by lorazepam and least prescribed diazepam and nitrazepam based on defined daily dose concept.
Introduction: Suicide is a complex social issue and a serious global health problem. Its incidence among adolescents is increasing. Understanding of risk factors helps early detection and prompt treatment of high-risk youngsters. Materials and Methods: It was a hospital-based case-control study carried out among 60 adolescent suicide attempters and 60 of their normal counterparts for the period of one year. Pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect information. Ethical principles were followed throughout the study. SPSS version 24 was used to do the analysis. Odd's ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated as a measure of the strength of association between risk factors and suicide attempts. Results: Among the study participants, 70% were in the age group of 16 -18 years and 45% were males. The identified risk factors for suicide attempt were, presence of psychiatric illness (OR-7.8; 95% CI: 3.3-19), substance abuse among family members (OR-4.3; 95% CI: 2-9.3), family history of attempted suicide (OR-7.2; 95% CI: 1.5-3.3), family history of completed suicide (OR-3.6; 95% CI: 1.2-1.1) and residence at rural areas (OR-2.8; 95% CI: 1.2 -6.3). Suicide intent score was significantly correlated with various standard scoring tools for stress and depression among cases. Conclusion:The established risk factors should be considered in creating an effective intervention program and strategies with intersectoral collaboration and coordination to prevent suicide among high-risk adolescents.
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