Abstract | PURPOSE: To assess the role of systemic antifungal drugs as well as the frequency of potential drug interactions and adverse drug events of commonly used antifungals in an unselected haematology/oncology patient cohort. METHODS: A prospective analysis was performed in our haematology/oncology department between October 2006 and September 2009. Data were obtained from 250 consecutive patients who received treatment and/or prophylaxis with fluconazole (n = 191), liposomal amphotericin B (n = 105), voriconazole (n = 62), caspofungin (n = 27) and/or posaconazole (n = 22). We performed detailed reviews of patient charts and laboratory values in close cooperation with treating physicians and nursing staff and participated regularly in ward and chart rounds. Potential drug interactions were assessed using the electronic database Micromedex® 1.0 (Healthcare Series). RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: Systemic antifungal drugs are widely used in the haematology/oncology setting and exhibit numerous potential drug interactions and adverse events in cancer patients. Our results highlight the challenges related to antifungal drugs and should valuably contribute to a safe and efficient application of this increasingly important class of drugs.
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Authors | Barbara Metzke, Werner Christian Neubauer, Stefanie Hieke, Manfred Jung, Ralph Wäsch, Monika Engelhardt |
Journal | Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety
(Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf)
Vol. 21
Issue 9
Pg. 953-63
(Sep 2012)
ISSN: 1099-1557 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 22641273
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antifungal Agents
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Drug Interactions
- Female
- Hematology
- Humans
- Male
- Medical Oncology
- Middle Aged
- Mycoses
(drug therapy, etiology, prevention & control)
- Neoplasms
(complications, therapy)
- Prospective Studies
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