The presence of oxaliplatin-associated neurotoxicity and its distribution based on its severity was similar to rates published in the literature. The number of patients requiring a change in the oxaliplatin prescription could justify the need for studies that assess the clinical consequences of these modifications. We believe that effective strategies for neurological protection need to be developed in order to guarantee the safety and quality of life in these patients.
Background
Pregnant women are usually excluded from clinical drug trials. However, many women take medicines while they are fertile. Because of this, the pharmacy department agreed with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (DOG) to write drug teratogenicity reports (TDR) for pregnant women (or women who desired a child).
Purpose
To evaluate drug teratogenicity and write reports as requested by the DOG. Furthermore, to assess the suitability of prescriptions in the light of recommendations drawn up by the clinical pharmacist.
Materials and methods
Drug teratogenicity was reviewed from September 2009 to October 2011. Drugs were classified according to drug class and the FDA teratogenicity category (A, B, C, D, X). Category recommendations were as follow: categories A and B: continue treatment; Category C: consider the risk-benefit balance; Categories D and X: stop treatment. The suitability of prescriptions in the light of TDR recommendations was assessed by reviewing the electronic medical records and the electronic ambulatory prescription records.
Results
32 TDRs were written, with 59 drugs reviewed. The FDA classification categories were: A (n=2), B (n=6), C (n=31), D (n=18), X (n=2). 49% of drugs taken belonged to the classes antidepressant, benzodiazepines or antiepileptics. During the study period seven of the 32 women were lost to follow-up. In three cases, pregnancy was legally interrupted, and the last 22 women were monitored to the end. Of all the drugs of each of the 22 women monitored, 21 drugs were discontinued (B=1; C=10; D=10; X=1), 12 drugs were continued (A=2; B=1; C=6; D=3) and it was not possible to figure it out in two drugs (B=1; C=1). The prescriptions were appropriate in the light of the TDR recommendations in 88% of the cases.
Conclusions
The contribution of clinical pharmacists to the multidisciplinary team is increasingly valuable. The TDR and the subsequent monitoring of these special patients improved the knowledge of drugs during pregnancy.
BACKGROUNDSuperficial dermatophytosis is a common clinical entity in tropical countries like India. Limited tinea corporis and cruris can be managed by topical antifungals. Amorolfine is a much less studied antifungal compared to others. Aim-To compare the efficacy of once a day versus twice daily application of amorolfine 0.25% cream.
MATERIALS AND METHODSAll new patients having limited tinea corporis and tinea cruris with KOH positivity were recruited in the study. Patients were randomly grouped as once a day application (Group A) and twice a day application (Group B). Study duration was 6 weeks, first visit after 3 weeks (end of the treatment phase) and second visit after 6 weeks (end of followup). During each visit, patients were examined, asked about the side effects, global response was noted, KOH scraping and clinical photographs were taken.
RESULTSA total of 82 patients were recruited in the study, 12 patients lost to followup. Sixty patients completed the study, 30 in each group. Demographics were comparable in each group. At the end of the study, 80% patients in group A and 90% in group B got total clearance which was not significant.
CONCLUSIONTwice a day application of amorolfine is more effective than once a day.
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