Evaluation of pre-chemotherapy antiemetic prescriptions in a hospital unit

Abstract

Introduction: Antineoplastic drugs, due to their high toxicity, can lead to adverse reactions to drugs, such as emesis, which causes discomfort to the patient. These drugs can be classified according to emetogenic potential and have appropriate treatment protocols. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether there is compliance between antiemetic prescription in patients receiving antineoplastic treatment in a hospital unit, according to pre-established emesis prevention protocols. Methods: This is a cross-sectional retrospective study of chemotherapy prescriptions analysis from January to April 2017. Data were analyzed according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 2017 Acute Emesis Prevention Protocol. Nonconformities were classified in: wrong medicine; wrong dose; wrong administration frequency and wrong administration route. Results: Of the 919 prescriptions analyzed, 83% did not comply with the protocol. The most common nonconformity found in the study was the wrong dose with the most prevalent scenario being the dexamethasone dose above the required dose. Conclusion: Most of the prescriptions analyzed did not comply with the pre-established protocol. This increases the likelihood of adverse drug reactions, does not effectively prevent emesis, thereby increasing patient weakness, decreasing quality of life, and wasting resources.