Safety of drug therapy in latex-allergic patients

Abstract

Objective: This study consisted of collecting information on thecomposition of rubber stoppers for injectable drug vials used at theHospital Israelita Albert Einstein. Methods: Manufacturers wereconsulted for information on composition of rubber stoppers, sincethis piece of information is absent on drug packages. Results:Information about the composition of rubber stoppers for the vialsof 178 drugs included in the hospital formulary was listed in hardcopies and electronic files; they were grouped under pharmacologicalclassification for easy access by Healthcare professionals. Information was absent in 6% (11 drug products) of the items listed, because the manufacturer was unable to provide information about rubber stopper composition. Three out of 47 drug classes did not offer the choice of latex-free stoppers. Conclusions: Information collected helped Healthcare teams working at this institution to use alternatives to minimize allergen exposure and to ensure lower risk drug therapy for latex-allergic patients.

Keywords

• Safety management
• Latex hypersensitivity
• Drug utilization