Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice

Ganciclovir use evaluation in kidney transplantation departments

Authors

. Maryam Mozaffar 1
. Shahrzad Shahidi 2
. Shirinsadat Badri 3

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

Cytomegalovirus
Ganciclovir
kidney transplantation
medication use  evaluation
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Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice
Volume 5, Issue 3
Summer 2016
Pages 212-214

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