Effect of premedication in relieving the occurrence of adverse drug reaction in cancer chemotherapy in a tertiary care hospital in North – eastern region of India

Abstract

Introduction: ADR is defined as any response to a drug which is noxious, unintended and occurs at doses used in man for prophylaxis, diagnosis or therapy. Chemotherapy is commonly associated with multiple ADRs & very limited data available in North – eastern part of India.

Aim and objectives: To evaluate the ADR pattern in cancer chemotherapy and the relative effect of premedication on the occurrence of ADRs.

Methodology: 119 patients were evaluated after valid consent. Drug details and temporal relation of the ADR occurring and responsible drugs are evaluated. The premedication details were also recorded.

Results: Nausea, vomiting, alopecia and constipation are the commonly occurring ADRs. The percentage of ADRs are compared with previously available studies. The prevalence as follows as compared to other studies:

            Nausea and vomiting: 15.1% (Kirthi et al 31.5%)

            Alopecia: 16.6% (Surendiran et al 51%)

            Constipation: 13.6% (Sharma et al 2.4%)

            Cisplatin, paclitaxel and 5 – FU commonly involved drugs

Conclusions: Less occurrence of ADRs possibly due to proper premedication and good diet. However, uncommon ADR like constipation is more in our study, which may need further evaluation. So it can be concluded that premedication has important role in preventing ADRs and alleviating the sufferings in chemotherapeutic drugs.