Authors
1 Isfahan Pharmacy Students' Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 Isfahan Kidney Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
3 Isfahan Kidney Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Objective: In this study, we evaluated certain aspects of the usage and administration
of one lifesaving, high‑cost medication, i.e., Ganciclovir for the prevention and treatment
of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in transplant patients.
Methods: This study was performed from 2013 to 2015 by conducting a medication use
evaluation (MUE) program in the kidney transplantation departments of two tertiary
care hospitals in Isfahan, Iran. The MUE criteria for the drug were developed by applying
drug information references. In every category of data, the number (percent) of cases, in
which drug therapy was in accordance with the predetermined criteria, was calculated.
Findings: During the study period, 67 cases were observed. The only documented drug
interaction was the minor interaction of Ganciclovir with mycophenolate mofetil in 77%
of the patients. In all patients, intravenous (IV) infusion was the route of administration,
mainly in the peripheral veins. Four patients showed adverse drug reaction, which leads
to Ganciclovir discontinuation. Ganciclovir was administered despite contraindication
in 34.3% of the patients.
Conclusion: In this study, we faced a relatively unacceptable situation, in which
Ganciclovir is handled somehow inappropriately. It seems necessary to develop an
updated local guideline to approximate the administering pattern of such costly
medications to standard protocols.
Keywords
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